English Training – December 8, 2010 Sabine Keuser

Gerund A gerund is a noun made from a verb by adding "-ing.“You can use a gerund as the subject, the complement, or the object of a sentence.  Reading helps you learn English. SUBJECT OF SENTENCE  Her favorite hobby is reading. COMPLEMENT OF SENTENCE  I enjoy reading. OBJECT OF SENTENCE Gerunds can be made negative by adding "not.“  He enjoys not working.  The best thing for your health is not smoking.

Infinitive Infinitives are the "to" form of the verb. You can also use an infinitive as the subject, the complement, or the object of a sentence.  To learn is important. SUBJECT OF SENTENCE  The most important thing is to learn. COMPLEMENT OF SENTENCE  He wants to learn. OBJECT OF SENTENCE Infinitives can be made negative by adding "not.“  I decided not to go.  The most important thing is not to give up.

Both gerunds and infinitives can be used as the subject or the complement of a sentence. However, as subjects or complements, gerunds usually sound more like normal, whereas infinitives sound more abstract.  Learning is important. normal  To learn is important.less common  The most important thing is learning. normal  The most important thing is to learn. less common Gerund or Infinitive as Subject and Complement

As the object of a sentence, it is more difficult to choose between a gerund or an infinitive. In such situations, gerunds and infinitives are not normally interchangeable. Usually, the main verb in the sentence determines whether you use a gerund or an infinitive.  He enjoys swimming. "Enjoy" requires a gerund.  He wants to swim. "Want" requires an infinitive. Gerund or Infinitive as Object

Some verbs can be followed by a gerund or an infinitive, but with a difference in meaning.  Nancy remembered getting married. Nancy has a memory of getting married.  Fred remembered to bring sunblock to the beach. Fred remembered that he needed to bring sunblock. Difference in Meaning

Some verbs can be followed by a gerund or an infinitive with little difference in meaning: Using a gerund suggests that you are referring to real activities or experiences. Using an infinitive suggests that you are talking about potential or possible activities or experiences.  The British reporter likes living in New York. He lives in New York and he likes what he experiences there.  The British reporter likes to live in New York whenever he works in the US. He likes the option or possibility of living in New York when he works in the US. Smiliar Meaning

Gerunds are used after prepositions. Most commonly, these are "verb + preposition" combinations.  They admitted to committing the crime.  Leslie made up for forgetting my birthday.  He is thinking about studying abroad. Remember that there are many "adjective + preposition" combinations and "noun + preposition" combinations in English as well.  Sandy is scared of flying. ADJECTIVE + PREPOSITION  Nick is anxious about taking the examination. ADJECTIVE + PREPOSITION  His interest in becoming a professional snowboarder was well known. NOUN + PREPOSITION  Thomas' story about seeing a grizzly bear was really exciting. NOUN + PREPOSITION Prepositions + Gerund