Gerunds and Infinitives: Usage and Rules Quiz

Study Notes

Gerunds and Infinitives: Usage and Rules

Gerunds and infinitives are important elements in the English language that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct differences in usage and rules.

What are Gerunds?

A gerund is a verb in its present participle (ing) form that functions as a noun, typically used to name an activity rather than a person or thing. For example, "walking," "thinking," and "talking" are gerunds. They can appear at the beginning of a sentence when used as a subject, as in "Jogging is a hobby of mine".

Rules for Using Gerunds

After certain verbs: Gerunds can follow specific verbs such as enjoy, fancy, discuss, dislike, finish, mind, suggest, recommend, keep, and avoid.
After prepositions of place and time: Gerunds can be used after prepositions, as shown in the example "I made dinner before getting home".
To replace the subject or object of a sentence: Gerunds can serve as the subject or object of a sentence, as in "Lachlan likes eating coconut oil".

Common Errors to Avoid When Using Gerunds

Using gerunds after prepositions other than those of place and time: Incorrect: "I am afraid sleeping late will make me late for work." Correct: "I am afraid that sleeping late will make me late for work."
Using gerunds after verbs other than those mentioned: Incorrect: "I want to seeing my friend later." Correct: "I want to see my friend later."

What are Infinitives?

An infinitive is a verb form that acts as other parts of speech in a sentence. It is formed with "to" + the base form of the verb. For example, "to buy," "to work," and "to swim" are infinitives.

Rules for Using Infinitives

After many adjectives: Infinitives can follow certain adjectives, such as hard, difficult, and easy, as in "It is hard to make dinner this late".
To show purpose: Infinitives are used to indicate the purpose of an action, as in "I came to the office to solve the mystery of the missing keys".
After certain verbs followed by nouns or pronouns referring to a person: Infinitives can follow verbs like agree, ask, decide, help, plan, hope, learn, want, and promise, followed by a noun or pronoun, as in "I promised to buy her a gift".

Common Errors to Avoid When Using Infinitives

Using infinitives after prepositions other than "to" or "for": Incorrect: "I am afraid to sleeping in the dark." Correct: "I am afraid of sleeping in the dark."
Using infinitives after verbs other than those mentioned: Incorrect: "I want to eating a sandwich." Correct: "I want to eat a sandwich."

In conclusion, understanding the rules for using gerunds and infinitives in specific situations can help you avoid common errors and improve your English writing and speaking skills.

Description

Test your knowledge of gerunds and infinitives with this quiz focusing on their usage, rules, and common errors. Learn about when to use gerunds as nouns in sentences and how infinitives can serve different functions within a sentence structure.