When discussing our hobbies and what we like to do in our spare time, we commonly use verbs in the gerund or infinitive form. Let’s take a closer look at what this means:

✅ Gerund: A gerund is a verb in its ‘ing’ (present participle) form that functions as a noun and names an activity rather than a person or thing. Any action verb can be made into a gerund. For example running, swimming, cooking.

✅ Infinitive: Infinitives are formed by adding ‘to’ before the base form of a verb. For example to run, to swim, to cook.

Here are some examples of how they can be used:

➡ Gerunds: can appear at the beginning of a sentence when used as a subject.

Eg. Swimming is a hobby of mine.

- Gerunds can act as an object following the verb. eg. Sarah started exercising a year ago.

- Gerunds can serve as an object after a preposition. eg. I look forward to seeing you at Christmas.

➡ Infinitives: can be used as an object following the verb.

Eg. David always wants to party.

- Infinitives can be used as a subject at the beginning of a sentence.

Eg. To live in New York is very expensive.

- Infinitives can be used as an adverb modifying a verb.

Eg. You promised to buy me a diamond ring.

- Infinitives can be used as an adjective modifying a noun.

Eg. Sarah has the capacity to care for many people.

Let’s practice!

Complete the following sentences by choosing the correct gerund or infinitive.

For example: She likes to shower early in the morning. (showering / to shower)

1. Alan hates ________________ on trains. (riding / to ride)

2. Mr. Wilson enjoys ________________ people out to dinner. (inviting / to invite)

3. In the old days, gentlemen challenged their rivals ______________. (fighting / to fight)

4. As the famous saying goes, there’s no use ____________ over spilt milk. (crying / to cry)

5. Mary has stopped ________________ her shoelaces. Wait for her. (tying / to tie)

6. I always volunteer ________________ cakes at PTA meetings. (baking / to bake)

7. Don’t waste my time _________________ about your salary. (complaining / to complain)

8. Eva is having trouble ________________ on the exam. (concentrating / to concentrate)

9. Please allow me ___________________ your group. (joining / to join)

10. You won’t forget ________________milk on your way home, will you? (buying / to buy)

Interested in more English language challenges? Follow our Instagram account @limlessons for daily quizzes and lessons. 

We hope this lesson has been helpful for you.

Schedule a lesson today using the code LIMLAUNCH to get a 50% discount!