Basically, in English, if you want to follow a verb with another action, you must use a gerund or an infinitive. But what's the difference between Gerunds and Infinitives, how can we recognise them and use them effectively in English learning? Both Gerunds and Infinitives can be subjects in sentences, and both gerunds and infinitives can serve as the object of a verb.
He volunteered to take part in the beach clean-up (Infinitive)
They resumed talking as if nothing had happened. (Gerund)
INFINITIVES + TO = TO + verb
PROMISE not TO tell, THREATEN TO call, INTEND TO learn, DECIDE TO call
TIP! To reinforce the infinitive with TO, always say these words out loud with TO tagged on. E.g. agree TO
aim TO, choose, claim, consent, decide, demand, appear, promise
refuse, resolve, arrange, attempt, beg, care, hesitate, hope, learn
deserve, expect, fail, mean, need, neglect, offer, prepare, afford
GERUNDS = verb + ING
AVOID goING, FINISH workING, DENY stealING, RECALL meetING
TIP! The best way to actually learn these words is to memorise them. It also helps to create short sentences. E.g. She confessed to eating half of the carrot cake.
delay, discuss, postpone, dispute, recommend, permit, resist, forgive,
explain, fancy, fear, feel like, imagine, tolerate, report, resume, support
escape, appreciate, anticipate, put off, prevent, practice, risk, shun
BOTH GERUNDS & INFINITIVES + TO
Some verbs can be followed by BOTH a gerund or an infinitive with almost no CHANGE in meaning. BEGAN to snow/ BEGAN snowing
Example: It started to rain. / It started raining.
begin, hate, like, love, prefer, propose, can’t bear, start, can’t stand, continue
Keep in mind that there are also BARE INFINITIVES. This is basically the root/base/basic form of a verb and is used with MODAL VERBS and sentences starting with WHY.
Maggie CAN'T attend the meeting on Friday.
Why don't you restart the computer?
Things can get pretty tricky, but as always, my solution is simple: BLA BLA BLA. Get learners to create short sentences and express themselves and over time they will be able to play it by ear.
Gerunds, Infinitives + To and Bare Infinitives for online ESL lessons with a focus on SPEAKING and CONVERSATIONAL ENGLISH. 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼
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