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

Are you confused between gerunds and infinitives? Learn their meanings and usage with engaging examples. Understand the key differences between the two and how to incorporate them into your sentences. Keep scrolling to know more!

Understanding Gerunds and Infinitives: What Are They?  

When we use verbs in English, sometimes we change their form depending on how we use them in a sentence. Two of the most common forms we use are gerunds and infinitives. These are known as verbals — verbs that act like nouns.

Both gerunds and infinitives can look similar, but they’re used differently in grammar. They often function as subjects, objects, or complements in a sentence.

Let’s break them down one by one.

What is a Gerund?

A gerund is the -ing form of a verb that functions as a noun in a sentence.

Formation:

Verb + ing = Gerund

Examples:

• swim → swimming
  
  
• read → reading
  
  
• play → playing
  
  

How it works:

Even though it looks like a verb, it acts like a noun.

Examples:

1. Swimming is my favorite sport.
   (Here, swimming is the subject of the sentence.)
   
   
2. I enjoy reading before bed.
   (Reading is the object of the verb enjoy.)
   
   
3. She’s interested in learning French.
   (Learning is the object of the preposition in.)
   
   

Quick Tip:

If a verb comes after a preposition, it’s usually in gerund form!

What is an Infinitive?

An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by the word “to.”

Formation:

to + base verb = Infinitive

Examples:

• to run
  
  
• to eat
  
  
• to study
  
  

How it works:

Like gerunds, infinitives can act like nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.

Examples:

1. I want to travel the world.
   (To travel is the object of the verb want.)
   
   
2. To learn a new language is exciting.
   (To learn is the subject of the sentence.)
   
   
3. She worked hard to succeed.
   (To succeed explains the reason — it’s an adverb.)
   

Quick Tip:

Many verbs like want, hope, decide, plan are followed by infinitives.

Gerund vs. Infinitive — What’s the Difference?

Sometimes both can be used in a sentence, but the meaning might change.

Example:

• I stopped smoking. (I quit smoking.)
  
  
• I stopped to smoke. (I stopped what I was doing in order to smoke.)
  
  

So, choosing between a gerund and an infinitive depends on the verb, the structure, and sometimes even the meaning you want to express.

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: 

You have the option to add the “ing” at the end of the verb and make it a gerund. 

Example: cry, “+ing” = crying 

Remove the “e” from the verb where it comes at the end and add the “ing.” 

Example: ride, “-e”, “+ing” = riding

Eliminate the “ie” from the verb where it comes at an end and add the “y” and then “ing.” 

Example: lie, “-ie”, “+ing” = lying 

Keep the “ee” from the verb when it comes with “ee” at the end and add the “ing.” 

Example: agree, “+ing” = agreeing 

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 

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: 

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. 

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. 

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 

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. 

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. 

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) 

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.

Found this article intriguing! Know more about words! 100+ new words in English with meanings! 

FAQs 

Question 1.  When should I use gerund or infinitive?

Answer- 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.

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

Answer- 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. 

Question 3.  What are infinitives and gerunds functions? 

Answer- 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.