Gerund: VERB + -ING (eating, going, studying)

Infinitive: TO + BASE VERB (to eat, to go, to study)

 A gerund is the -ing form of the verb. An infinitive is to + the base verb/root form of
the verb.
 Both gerunds and infinitives are action words (i.e. verbs) in meaning, but they act like
nouns in the sentence.
 Both gerunds and infinitives can take the place of a noun as the subject or object of a
verb.
 A gerund or infinitive is never the main verb (e.g. I hiking and I to study are
incorrect).

Three Gerund Rules

Rule #1: Subject = Gerund

When you need an action as a subject, use a gerund. Infinitives are possible, but they are very
formal and not very common in this position.

 Reading is my favourite hobby.

 Learning English has improved my confidence.

Rule #2: Preposition + Gerund

After a preposition, use a gerund.

 I thought about calling my grandma, but I was too tired.

 Are you planning on going to the party? (planning is not a gerund.)

Rule #3: Verb + Gerund

A gerund or an infinitive can be used after a main verb. It depends on the verb, and there isn’t an
easy rule for this case. Memorizing the most common verbs that take a gerund, such as advise,
consider, avoid, enjoy, finish, practice, quit, and suggest, is helpful.

 My teacher advised studying for the quiz.

 They enjoy making crafts in class.

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Three Infinitive Rules
Rule #1: Adjective + Infinitive

After an adjective, it is common to use an infinitive verb. A gerund is possible in some cases,
but an infinitive is usually the better choice. Nach einem Adjektiv ist es üblich, einen Infinitiv zu
verwenden. Ein Gerundium ist in einigen Fällen möglich, aber ein Infinitiv ist normalerweise die
bessere Wahl.

 It is fun to play video games on the weekend.

 It was helpful to learn these grammar rules.

Rule #2: Noun + Infinitive

If the main verb has an object that is a noun or a pronoun, it is almost always followed by an
infinitive verb instead of a gerund. Wenn das Hauptverb ein Objekt hat, das ein Nomen oder
Pronomen ist, folgt fast immer ein Infinitiv anstelle eines Gerundiums.

 Did you want me to call you? (me = pronoun)

 The students asked their teacher to help them. (teacher = noun)

Rule #3: Verb + Infinitive

A gerund or an infinitive can be used after a main verb. It depends on the verb, and there isn’t
an easy rule for this case. Memorizing the most common verbs that take an infinitive, such as
hope, decide, would like, ask, choose, decide, get, need, plan, promise, and want, is helpful.
Ein Gerundium oder ein Infinitiv kann nach einem Hauptverb verwendet werden. Das hängt
vom Verb ab, und es gibt keine einfache Regel für diesen Fall. Es ist hilfreich, sich die
gebräuchlichsten Verben mit Infinitiv einzuprägen, z. B. hoffen, entscheiden, möchten,
fragen, wählen, entscheiden, bekommen, brauchen, planen, versprechen und wollen.

 He wants to learn Japanese.

 We need to clean up this mess.

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Practice Exercise:
1. They are likely __________________ up at any time. (show)
2. The man denied __________________ the crime. (commit)
3. Their memories of __________________ in Africa will stay with them forever. (travel)
4. He has always been afraid of __________________. (fly)
5. __________________ is good for your health. (swim)
6. Would you mind __________________ me the sugar. (pass)
7. She promised __________________ the report as soon as possible. (read)
8. I had a hard time __________________ the situation to my husband. (explain)
9. She had some problems__________________ without glasses. (read)
10. Paul gave up __________________ five years ago. (smoke)
11. What about __________________ to the zoo tomorrow? (go)
12. Barca __________________ in winning the Spanish championship. (succeed)
13. They had fun __________________. (ski)
14. My friend was happy __________________ meat the party. (see)
15. He was ashamed__________________ that he had lied. (admit)
16. It was very kind of you __________________ me. (help)
17. She always wastes her time __________________ bad books. (read)
18. We had no problem __________________ from the airport to the train station. (drive)
19. She hadn’t expected this task __________________ so difficult. (be)
20. It’s no use __________________ a taxi. We’ll be late anyway. (take)
21. Don’t forget __________________ the document as soon as you are finished. (sign)
22. She made me __________________ like a real man. (feel)
23. __________________ videogames all the time is very boring. (play)
24. She is fond of __________________ comics. (read)
25. Alvaro admitted __________________ during the English test. (cheat)
26. The teacher reminded us __________________ irregular verbs. (learn)
27. The boy refused __________________ what his mother said. (do)
28. Brenda really hates__________________. (study)
29. I used __________________ basketball during my college years. (play)
30. How long does it take you __________________ to the university? (walk)