Welcome to the World of Gerunds and Infinitives!
Hello there! Today, we are going to explore a very special part of English grammar: Gerunds and Infinitives. Have you ever wondered why we say "I enjoy reading" but "I want to read"? Both "reading" and "to read" come from the verb "read," but they look different!
In these notes, we will learn how to choose the right one. Don't worry if this seems tricky at first—once you learn the patterns, it becomes like a fun puzzle. Knowing this will help you write much better sentences for your Pre-S1 Hong Kong Attainment Test!
1. What are Gerunds?
A Gerund is a verb that ends in -ing and acts like a noun. Think of it as a verb wearing a "noun costume."
How to use Gerunds:
A. After certain "Action" Verbs
Some verbs just love being followed by a Gerund. Common ones include: enjoy, finish, practice, suggest, keep, and mind.
Example: I enjoy playing basketball after school.
Example: She finished doing her homework at 8 p.m.
B. After Prepositions
This is a golden rule! If you see words like in, on, at, about, of, for, or by, the verb that follows usually needs an -ing.
Example: I am interested in learning French.
Example: Thank you for helping me.
C. As the Subject of a sentence
You can start a sentence with a Gerund to talk about an activity in general.
Example: Swimming is my favorite sport.
Example: Eating vegetables is good for your health.
Did you know?
Even though a Gerund looks like a continuous verb (like "I am running"), it doesn't describe an action happening right now. It describes the idea of the activity!
Key Takeaway: Gerunds = Verb + ing. Use them after verbs like "enjoy" and after prepositions like "in" or "for".
2. What are Infinitives?
An Infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually with the word "to" in front of it (to + verb). Think of the Infinitive as a "goal" or a "purpose."
How to use Infinitives:
A. After "Plan/Wish" Verbs
We use Infinitives after verbs that talk about the future or things we want to happen. Common ones include: want, hope, decide, learn, plan, promise, and agree.
Example: I want to buy a new video game.
Example: They decided to go to the park.
B. After Adjectives
We often use an Infinitive after words that describe feelings or situations (adjectives).
Example: I am happy to see you.
Example: It is difficult to finish this puzzle.
C. To show Purpose (Why?)
When you want to explain why someone does something, use "to + verb."
Example: I went to the library to borrow some books. (Why did you go? To borrow books!)
Key Takeaway: Infinitives = To + Verb. Use them to show purpose, after adjectives, and after "future-leaning" verbs like "want" or "hope."
3. Verbs that can take BOTH
Some "friendly" verbs don't mind if you use a Gerund OR an Infinitive. The meaning usually stays the same! These include: like, love, hate, start, and begin.
Example: I like eating apples. (Correct!)
Example: I like to eat apples. (Also correct!)
4. Memory Aids and Simple Tricks
How can you remember which one to use? Try these tricks:
The "Already Happened" Trick:
Gerunds (-ing) are often about things that are already happening, finished, or real. (I enjoy swimming — I know I like it because I've done it).
Infinitives (to...) are often about things that haven't happened yet—dreams, plans, or goals. (I want to swim — I'm not swimming yet, but I plan to!).
A Quick Checklist:
1. Is there a preposition (in/on/at/of)? -> Use -ing
2. Is there an adjective (happy/easy/sad)? -> Use "to + verb"
3. Does it show a reason "why"? -> Use "to + verb"
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Using "to" with "-ing"
Don't say: I want to going home. (Incorrect)
Say: I want to go home. (Correct)
Explanation: After "to," we usually use the base verb, not the -ing form.
Mistake 2: Forgetting the "to" in Infinitives
Don't say: I hope see you soon. (Incorrect)
Say: I hope to see you soon. (Correct)
Mistake 3: Using the wrong form after "Enjoy"
Don't say: I enjoy to play football. (Incorrect)
Say: I enjoy playing football. (Correct)
Tip: Remember that "enjoy" is a "Gerund-only" verb in most HKAT questions!
6. Quick Review Box
Use a Gerund (Verb-ing) when:
- It is the subject (Reading is fun).
- It follows a preposition (good at singing).
- It follows verbs like: enjoy, finish, practice, suggest.
Use an Infinitive (To + Verb) when:
- It shows a reason (I went there to help).
- It follows an adjective (It is nice to meet you).
- It follows verbs like: want, hope, decide, learn, plan.
Keep practicing! The more you read and write, the more natural these patterns will feel. You've got this!