 Differentiate between gerund and infinitive sentences with the same and different meanings.

GERUNDS AND
INFINITIVES
GERUNDS INFINITIVES
A gerund is a verb in “-ing” form that is used as a An infinitive is made up of “to + verb” and is also
noun. It becomes the subject or object of a used as a subject or object in a sentence, though
sentence. much less commonly as a subject.

Examples: Examples:
I enjoy baking on the weekend. We all want to watch a movie this weekend.
(The gerund, “baking,” is the object.) (The infinitive, “to watch,” is the object.)

Studying is important. To write her novel in peace and quiet was all she
(“Studying” is the subject.) wanted.
(The infinitive, “to write,” is the subject.)
We discussed not attending the concert. (Negative
form = “not”+ gerund) Here is a list of verbs that are commonly followed
by infinitives:
Below is a list of verbs that are commonly followed offer wish
by gerunds: promise intend
enjoy suggest hope learn
quit finish decide tend
discuss stop prepare wish
think/talk about recommend Examples:
mind put off We offered to give them a ride home.
I intend to finish my paper early.
Examples:
Let’s consider spending more time on this paper. It is incorrect to follow these verbs with
She quit worrying about punctuation. gerunds:
It is incorrect to follow these verbs with - I promise helping you revise your essay.
infinitives: - Let’s prepare researching the topic at the library.
- We considered to stay up late and study.
- Our teacher enjoys to read our essays.

Some verbs can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive, but the meaning changes depending on which is used.
Examples:
 She forgot closing the door behind her. (She closed the door but forgot that she did so.)
 She forgot to close the door. (She did not close the door.)

 He stopped eating. (He was eating, and now he is not.)

 He stopped to eat. (He was doing some activity and stopped in order to eat.)

Finally, some verbs can be followed by a gerund or an infinitive with no change in meaning.
Examples:
a) The family likes swimming. a) I prefer sitting in the front row.
b) The family likes to swim. b) I prefer to sit in the front row.

Let’s practice!
A. Choose the correct answer:

1. I can’t get used to living/live without a dog.

2. Would you mind take/taking my mother to the station?
3. My father will never get used to hearing/hear such loud music.
4. Alex appears to be/being in love with Nina.
5. He wants them swimming/to swim a lot.
B. Complete these sentences with the gerund or to + infinitive of the verbs in brackets.

1. Are you interested in _______ (play) sports?

2. We have decided ______________ (buy) a new car.
3. They promised __________ (send) us a postcard from Washington.
4. Do you enjoy __________ (listen) to music?
5. She can’t help ___________ (bite) her nails when she’s nervous.

C. Fill in the blanks with a gerund or an infinitive, or both where possible.

1. We began ___________ our homework at eight o’clock.

2. The doctor recommended ___________ every day.
3. The hotel allows guest _____________ in the underground car park.
4. The pupils like _____________ their lessons outside on the grass in the spring.
5. Doris loves ________________ to the beach in the summer.
6. His parents permit him _____________ late at weekends, but not on school nights.
7. When will you start _____________ for your exam?
8. The bank advised ______________ our money into a special account.

D. Complete these sentences with the gerund or to + infinitive of the verbs in brackets. (-ing or infinitive ‘to’).
Example: Tonight, I fancy _going out_ to an expensive restaurant and then to a jazz club. (go out)

1. I don’t enjoy _____________ computers. (use)

2. The bank manager absolutely refused ____________me any money. (lend)
3. Luis has decided ______________ his Porsche and ____________ a Ferrari. (sell / buy)
4. Don’t forget _____________ me when you get to the hotel. (phone)
5. I love _________ in Spain now, but I really miss __________ fish and chips out of English newspaper. (live / eat)
6. I gave up ____________ and _____________ alcohol last year. I don’t feel any healthier, just depressed. (smoke / drink)
7. Would you like _____________ out for a drink with me next Saturday night? (go)
8. Angeles hates _______________ in the city. (drive)
9. Why do you keep on _____________ at me like that? (look)
10. If you happen _____________Ruben, tell him I’d like _____________ with him. (see / speak)

E. Match the two parts of the sentences:

Banks actively encourage to win the gold medal.

They expected speaking
Would you mind to phone Alan before I go out.
She is hoping explaining that again, please.
Remind me people to borrow money.
Be quit! He hasn’t finished all their children to be high achievers.