Gerunds and Infinitives | Meaning, rules, examples, and more!

 What is gerund and infinitive? 

Gerunds and infinitives are the types of non-finite verbs that, when added to a sentence, can be used as a noun and or an object in a sentence. They can be used in a sentence if there are many adjectives. However, this might become confusing if you do not know the rules and how to add them to a sentence. 

Gerund is a verb formed by adding “ing” at the end of the verb and used as a noun in a sentence. It can only be used for an activity and cannot be used for a person or thing in a sentence. They are the extra verbs that can be used in a sentence and are not affected by the past, present or future tense. 

Similarly, the infinitive is a type of non-finite verb formed by adding “to” in front of the verb, which can be used as a noun, adjective, or adverb while forming a sentence. It is mostly used when you are explaining a general instance and not any specific action. Hence, gerunds and infinitives are used as subjects in a sentence. 

There are two types of infinitives: full infinitives and bare infinitives. In a full infinitive, you add “to”  before the verb, like “to choose.” In a bare infinitive, you don’t need to add “to” in front of the verb, but there are very few, like “make” and “do.” 

Gerund and infinitive rules 

There are some important rules while using gerunds and infinitives. Gerunds and Infinitives both function as nouns. They can act as the subject of a verb when placed before it, and as an object when placed after it.

Here is the list of rules for making a verb into a gerund: 

1. You have the option to add the “ing” at the end of the verb and make it a gerund. 
   • Example: cry, “+ing” = crying 
2. Remove the “e” from the verb where it comes at the end and add the “ing.” 
   • Example: ride, “-e”, “+ing” = riding
3. Eliminate the “ie” from the verb where it comes at an end and add the “y” and then “ing.” 
   • Example: lie, “-ie”, “+ing” = lying 
4. Keep the “ee” from the verb when it comes with “ee” at the end and add the “ing.” 
   • Example: agree, “+ing” = agreeing 
5. For monosyllabic words with a consonant-vowel-consonant format, doubling the final letter and appending “ing” at the end is a suitable approach. 
   • Example: cut, “t”, “+ing” = cutting 
6. Adding the “ing” at the end of the monosyllabic verb with consonant_vowel_consonant format, and the last word has less speaking importance.
   • Example: shift, “t” “+ing” = shifting 

Here is the list of rules for making a verb into an infinitive: 

1. You have the option to add the “how” before “to” in front of the verb if it is used in an expressive or learning way. 
   • Example: My brother taught him how to ride a scooter. 
2. Adding “for” in front of the verb and the “ing” at the end if it is used for a reason. 
   • Example: My sister was scolded for coming late at night. 
3. Some verbs can be transformed into an infinitive only for direct objects if they are in active voice. 
   • Example: My family makes me feel good. 

Gerunds and infinitives examples 

Now that you are familiar with what gerunds and infinitives are, what are the rules, and how to turn a verb into a gerund or an infinitive, take a look at some examples of gerunds and infinitives.

Examples of gerunds: 

• Running is a part of my daily morning ritual. 
• My friend does not like playing indoor games. 
• I like listening to old 90s songs. 
• Seema has not been working for two hours. 
• Reena loves reading horror novels. 

Examples of infinitives: 

• To reach before sunset felt meaningful after a long walk. 
• I am expecting someone to come.
• I love to eat cakes. 
• Rahul might be performing in the annual function this year. 
• Tina has been waiting to be given a platform to showcase her dancing skills. 

Difference between gerund and infinitive 

1. Gerunds are used in sentences for actions that are actual or complete or have been completed, while infinitives are used in sentences for actions that are not actual or that can happen in the future. 
2. A gerund is used for making a noun in a sentence, while an infinitive is used for making a subject, adverb, or adjective in a sentence. 
3. The gerunds are only used as the object in front of propositions and not the infinitives.
   • Example: We are talking about going back home. (Correct) 
   • Example: We are talking about to go back home. (Incorrect) 
4. Some verbs take direct or indirect objects and only use infinitives. 
   • Example: I promise to tell with honesty. (Correct)
   • Example: I promise telling with honesty. (Incorrect)

Key takeaways 

• Gerunds and infinitives are formed by using a verb where one need “ing” to be added in the end and the other need “to” be added in the front. 
• Gerunds have the rules to add “ing” at the end, or remove “e” and then add “ing”, etc. 
• Infinitives have the rules to add “how” before “to” or add “for” in front of the verb, etc. 
• The difference between gerunds and infinitives is that gerunds are used for actual actions, while infinitives are used for actions that are not actual. 

You might find it easy to understand the meaning of gerunds and infinitives, but the application of the two needs to be understood thoroughly. The rules and examples need to be practiced in order to excel in the verbal ability and RCs (Reading Comprehension) sections of the entry-level exams for admissions in colleges, jobs, or anywhere in the professional domain. If you have any doubts or questions, please feel free to use the comments section below.

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FAQs 

Q.1 When should I use gerund or infinitive?

Ans- You should use gerunds or infinitives to convert the verb into a noun, subject, object, or adverb and form a sentence. Gerund is formed by adding “ing” at the end of some verbs, while infinitive is formed by adding “to” in the front of some verbs.

Q.2 How do I know when to use a gerund or an infinitive in a sentence?

Ans- The choice between a gerund and an infinitive depends on the specific verb, the meaning intended, and the sentence’s grammatical structure. Some verbs are followed by gerunds, others by infinitives, and some can be used with either. 

Q.3 What are infinitives and gerunds functions? 

Ans- The functions of gerunds are to be used as subjects or objects in sentences by adding “ing” at the end of the verb. The functions of infinitives are to be used as subjects, adverbs, or adjectives in sentences by adding the extra word “to” before the verb.