Download Gerunds and Infinitives

ESL 33A
Grammar in Context
A gerund is the present participle
of the verb without the be verb
Riding a horse is a lot of fun.
I enjoy riding a horse.
I have been excited about riding
horses ever since I was a child.
Gerund as Subject
Helping others gives a person pleasure.
Working hard is the only way to really
make money.
Getting a good education is important.
Gerunds after Prepositions and Nouns:
verb + preposition + gerund
• Mark believes in helping others.
adjective + preposition + gerund
• Julie is successful at getting good grades.
verb + object + preposition + gerund
• Mario thanked his teacher for helping him succeed.
Verbs Followed by Gerunds
Admit
delay
Finish
Permit
recommend
Advise
Deny
Imagine
postpone
Resent
Appreciate
Discuss
Keep (on)
Practice
Risk
Avoid
Dislike
Mind
Put off
Stop
consider
enjoy
miss
quit
suggest
can’t help
When I see a sad movie, I can’t help crying.
Do you mind opening the door?
I can’t put off buying a car. I need one now.
Verbs that can be followed by a gerund or
infinitive with no difference in meaning:
begin
continue
like
prefer
can’t stand
hate
love
start
I can’t stand doing homework.
I can’t stand to do homework.
Infinitives and Gerunds as Subject
An infinitive phrase can be the subject of a
sentence. Begin the sentence with it and put
the infinitive phrase at the end of the clause.
It is rewarding to helping others.
A gerund phrase can be used as subject.
Helping others is very rewarding.
An infinitive phrase can be used as subject, but
it is very formal.
To help others is very rewarding.