1. Teacher: Silvino Sieben 3ª série EM
Infinitive or Gerund?
Teacher: Silvino Sieben
3ª série EM

2. Sometimes we need to decide whether to use a verb in its:
gerund form (doing, singing) or
infinitive form (to do, to sing).
For example, only one of the following sentences is correct. Which one?
I dislike working late. (???)
I dislike to work late. (???)

3. When to use the infinitive
The infinitive form is used after certain verbs:
- forget, help, learn, teach, train - choose, expect, hope, need, offer, want, would like - agree, encourage, pretend, promise, recommend - allow, can/can't afford, decide, manage, mean, refuse
I forgot to close the window.
Mary needs to leave early.
Why are they encouraged to learn English?
We can't afford to take a long holiday.

4. The infinitive form is always used after adjectives, for example: - disappointed, glad, happy, pleased, relieved, sad, surprised
I was happy to help them.
This includes too + adjective:
The water was too cold to swim in.
The infinitive form is used after adjective + enough:
She is rich enough to buy two.

5. The infinitive form is always used after verb + object For example:
He invited us to go.
They told me to wait.
Sarah asked her mother to come.
Remind Jon to pay his bills.

6. The infinitive form is always used expressions like the first, the second, the last, the only and the pronouns who, where, when, what, how, whose.
He was the last to know the secret.
She is the second to play today.
We don’t know when to look for it.
Wise people always know what to do.

7. The infinitive form is always use for purpose/reason.
He studied to pass the test.
(Why did he study? TO PASS the test.)
Jane waited for the waiter to complain.
(Why did she wait? TO COMPLAIN)

8. She does nothing but cry. They should do nothing except wait.
The bare infinitive form is always used after but, except, had better and would rather For example:
She does nothing but cry.
They should do nothing except wait.
We’d better hurry.
I’d rather go home by car.
BARE INFINITIVE = WITHOUT “TO”

9. When to use gerund
The gerund form is used when the word is the subject of a sentence or clause:
Swimming is good exercise.
Doctors say that smoking is bad for you.
The gerund form is used after a preposition:
I look forward to meeting you.
They left without saying "Goodbye."

10. The gerund form is used after certain verbs: - avoid, dislike, enjoy, finish, give up, mind/not mind, practise
I dislike getting up early.
Would you mind opening the window?

11. Some verbs can be followed by the -ing form or the infinitive without a big change in meaning: begin, continue, hate, intend, like, love, prefer, propose, start.
It started to rain.
It started raining.
I like to play tennis.
I like playing tennis.

12. Fill in the blanks with the infinitive or gerund form
1. We like ______ our grandmother on Sundays. (visit)
2. I might want _____ your Science notes. (borrow)
3. My father hates _____a tie to work. (wear)
4. We can't afford ______ a vacation this summer. (take)
5. The company was pleased ______ your thank-you letter. (receive)

13. 6. Would you mind _____ a window? (open)
7. My suitcase is light enough _____ myself. (carry)
8. She cannot leave the table without ______ her dinner. (finish)
9. The music will continue _______until you turn it off. (play)
10. My little brother dislikes ______his hair brushed. (have)

14. Now, it is your turn to practice with the expressions
Create a sentence with each verb or expression