Differences Between Gerunds and Infinitives

A gerund is a verb that ends in -ing and is used like a noun in a sentence.

For example, "Swimming is my favourite activity." In this sentence, "swimming" is the subject of the sentence, and it is a gerund because it ends in -ing and is used like a noun.

An infinitive, on the other hand, is a verb that starts with "to" and is also used like a noun in a sentence.

For example, "To swim is my favorite activity." In this sentence, "to swim" is the subject of the sentence, and it is an infinitive because it starts with "to" and is used like a noun.

The main difference between gerunds and infinitives is that gerunds end in -ing and infinitives start with "to."

Another difference is that we use gerunds when we want to talk about an activity or action, while we use infinitives when we want to talk about a purpose or intention.

Gerunds and Infinitives Quiz

1. Which verb pattern is used after the verb "enjoy"?

    A) gerund

    B) infinitive

    C) either can be used

2. Which verb pattern is used after the verb "decide"?

    A) gerund

    B) infinitive

    C) either can be used

3. Which verb pattern is used after the verb "stop"?

    A) gerund

    B) infinitive

    C) either can be used

 4. Which verb pattern is used after the verb "forget"?

    A) gerund

    B) infinitive

    C) either can be used

 5. Which verb pattern is used after the verb "prefer"?

    A) gerund

    B) infinitive

    C) either can be used

 6. Which verb pattern is used after the verb "need"?

    A) gerund

    B) infinitive

    C) either can be used

Answers

1.    A) gerund

2.    B) infinitive

3.    A) gerund

4.    A) gerund

5.    B) infinitive

6.    B) infinitive