Functions of Gerunds and Infinitives

Functions in Sentences

• Gerunds and infinitives function as nouns in a sentence:
  • Gerunds: act as subjects, complements, or objects of a verb or preposition
  • Infinitives: act as subjects, complements, or objects of a verb or adjective
• Both can be used to express purpose, intention, or obligation

Infinitive Phrases

• An infinitive phrase is a phrase that begins with an infinitive verb form (e.g. to eat, to run)
• Functions as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence
• Can be used to:
  • Express purpose or intention
  • Describe a verb or action
  • Provide additional information about a noun or pronoun

Distinguishing Between Gerunds and Infinitives

• Gerunds:
  • End in -ing
  • Function as nouns
  • Often used as subjects or objects of a verb
• Infinitives:
  • Begin with "to"
  • Function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs
  • Often used to express purpose or intention
• Key difference: gerunds are verbs ending in -ing, while infinitives are verbs beginning with "to"

Using Gerunds and Infinitives in Context

• Gerunds are often used to describe an action that is:
  • Real or completed
  • In progress
  • Ongoing
• Infinitives are often used to describe an action that is:
  • Possible or potential
  • Desired or intended
  • Necessary or obligatory
• Context and sentence structure can help determine whether to use a gerund or infinitive

Gerund Phrases

• A gerund phrase is a phrase that begins with a gerund (e.g. eating, running)
• Functions as a noun in a sentence
• Can be used to:
  • Act as a subject or complement
  • Provide additional information about a verb or action
  • Express a cause-and-effect relationship
• Gerund phrases often begin with a possessive adjective (e.g. my, her, his) to indicate ownership or relationship

Functions of Gerunds and Infinitives

• Gerunds and infinitives function as nouns in a sentence, acting as subjects, complements, or objects of a verb or preposition.

Infinitive Phrases

• Infinitive phrases begin with an infinitive verb form (e.g. to eat, to run) and function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs in a sentence.
• They can express purpose or intention, describe a verb or action, or provide additional information about a noun or pronoun.

Distinguishing Between Gerunds and Infinitives

• Gerunds end in -ing, function as nouns, and are often used as subjects or objects of a verb.
• Infinitives begin with "to", function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs, and are often used to express purpose or intention.
• The key difference between gerunds and infinitives is that gerunds are verbs ending in -ing, while infinitives are verbs beginning with "to".

Using Gerunds and Infinitives in Context

• Gerunds describe actions that are real or completed, in progress, or ongoing.
• Infinitives describe actions that are possible or potential, desired or intended, or necessary or obligatory.
• Context and sentence structure can help determine whether to use a gerund or infinitive.

Gerund Phrases

• Gerund phrases are phrases that begin with a gerund (e.g. eating, running) and function as nouns in a sentence.
• They can act as subjects or complements, provide additional information about a verb or action, or express a cause-and-effect relationship.
• Gerund phrases often begin with a possessive adjective (e.g. my, her, his) to indicate ownership or relationship.