Gerunds

Definition: A gerund is the -ing form of a verb that functions as a noun.

Formation: Verb + -ing

Examples:

• Swimming is good exercise.
• I enjoy reading.
• Her favorite hobby is painting.

Usage:

1. As the subject of a sentence:
   • Example: Running is fun.
2. As the object of a verb:
   • Example: She likes dancing.
3. After prepositions:
   • Example: He is good at singing.
4. After certain verbs (e.g., enjoy, avoid, consider, etc.):
   • Example: I avoid eating junk food.

Common Verbs Followed by Gerunds:

• enjoy, avoid, consider, discuss, dislike, finish, keep, mind, suggest, etc.

Infinitives

Definition: An infinitive is the base form of a verb preceded by “to.”

Formation: to + base verb

Examples:

• To run is fun.
• She wants to travel.
• They decided to leave early.

Usage:

1. As the subject of a sentence:
   • Example: To learn is important.
2. As the object of a verb:
   • Example: He plans to study.
3. To express purpose:
   • Example: I went to the store to buy groceries.
4. After certain adjectives (e.g., happy, glad, eager, etc.):
   • Example: She is eager to start.

Common Verbs Followed by Infinitives:

• want, decide, hope, plan, need, offer, learn, promise, seem, etc.

Special Cases

1. Verbs that can be followed by both gerunds and infinitives, with a change in meaning:
   • Examples:
     • Remember:
       • Gerund: I remember meeting him (a memory of a past event).
       • Infinitive: Remember to meet him (a reminder for a future event).
     • Stop:
       • Gerund: He stopped smoking (he quit the habit).
       • Infinitive: He stopped to smoke (he paused in order to smoke).
2. Verbs that can be followed by both gerunds and infinitives, with no significant change in meaning:
   • Examples:
     • begin, start, continue, like, love
     • She began singing. / She began to sing.