2nd Bac
Grammar Reference
Grammar: Gerunds and Infinitives
Gerunds (verb + -ing) and Infinitives (to + verb) are verb forms that can function as nouns. The main verb in a sentence often determines which form to use.
Gerund (-ing)
- As a subject: "Swimming is good exercise."
- After prepositions: "She is good at painting."
- After verbs like: enjoy, finish, suggest, avoid, keep, mind, miss. *"He suggested going for a walk."*
Infinitive (to + verb)
- To express purpose: "He came here to study."
- After verbs like: want, need, hope, decide, plan, promise, agree. *"They decided to leave early."*
- After both (no change in meaning): like, love, hate, prefer, start, continue.
Advanced Forms
| Form | Name | Use & Example |
|---|---|---|
| having done | Perfect Gerund | Action happened before main verb. "He was proud of having won the competition." |
| being done | Passive Gerund | The subject receives the action. "I dislike being told what to do." |
| to have done | Perfect Infinitive | Action happened before main verb. "He claims to have met the president." |
| to be done | Passive Infinitive | The subject receives the action. "This work needs to be done by Friday." |
Bare Infinitive (without 'to')
Used after modal verbs (can, will, must) and certain verbs like
let, make, see, hear
.
*"You must go now." / "She made me laugh."*
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