when to use the infinitive and the gerund in english

1. Gerunds and
Infinitives

2. What is “the infinitive form??
To + Verb = Infinitive
To + work = to work
To + play = to play
To + study = to study

3. Infinitive…
 We use the infinitive form of the verb after
adjectives:
Examples:
It is important not to be late
It isn’t easy to find a job
It is nice to meet new people

4. Infinitive…
 We use the infinitive form of the verb to say
why we do something.
Examples:
I went to the party to meet new people
I come to this school to learn English
I went to the bar to get another drink

5. Verbs that can ONLY be followed by the
infinitive:

6. Verbs that require
the infinitive AFTER them…
(this is not the complete list!)
want need
would like decide
learn pretend

7. Verbs followed by infinitives:
Example Sentences

8. What is a gerund??
Verb + ing = Gerund
work + ing = working
play + ing = playing
study + ing = studying

9. Gerunds (-ing) . . .
 We use the gerund form of the verb when it
serves as the subject of the sentence:
Examples:
Watching too much TV could be bad for our kids.
Eating fruits and vegetables is good for you.
Swimming is my favorite sport.
Learning English is tough!

10. Gerunds (-ing) . . .
 We use the gerund form of the verb after a
preposition!!
Examples:
She apologized forfor yelling at her boyfriend.
I’m interested inin taking an art class.
My mom is thinking aboutabout taking a vacation.

11. Verbs that can ONLY be followed by a
gerund:

12. Verbs that require
gerunds AFTER them…
(this is not the complete list!)
enjoy avoid
finish suggest
don’t mind postpone

13. Verbs followed by gerunds:
Example Sentences