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Questions and Answers
What is the function of a gerund in a sentence?
What is the function of a gerund in a sentence?
What is the typical function of an infinitive phrase in a sentence?
What is the typical function of an infinitive phrase in a sentence?
How do you distinguish a gerund from an infinitive?
How do you distinguish a gerund from an infinitive?
When is an infinitive phrase typically used?
When is an infinitive phrase typically used?
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What is the main difference between a gerund phrase and an infinitive phrase?
What is the main difference between a gerund phrase and an infinitive phrase?
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What is the function of a gerund phrase in a sentence?
What is the function of a gerund phrase in a sentence?
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When is a gerund typically used?
When is a gerund typically used?
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What is a common feature of gerund phrases?
What is a common feature of gerund phrases?
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How do you decide between using a gerund or an infinitive in a sentence?
How do you decide between using a gerund or an infinitive in a sentence?
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What is the main purpose of using infinitive phrases?
What is the main purpose of using infinitive phrases?
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Study Notes
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.
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Description
Learn about the functions of gerunds and infinitives in sentences, including their roles as nouns, adjectives, and adverbs. Discover how they express purpose, intention, or obligation.
