GERUNDS AND INFINITIVESGerunds are nouns made from verbs.

1. Gerunds act like nouns and therefore:

2. Can be the subject of a sentence: Living well is the best revenge.

3. Can be the object of a verb: I like boxing.

Gerunds 4. Can be objects of preposition such as with,

on, in, over, to, up, etc.She insisted on paying for dinner.I thank you for coming.5. Can be used with possessive adjectives:I appreciate your agreeing with me on this

matter.6. Can be used as a subject compliment:I feel like dying.

Gerunds are used when:1. The emphasis is on the event and

not the action.I like boxing. (I might not box, but enjoy watching other people doing

it).2. The event is already accomplished,

is ongoing or have been proposed.I suggested going to the

museum.

Infinitives are the to + the base form of a verb.

Infinitives perform the same function as nouns.

1. They act as subjects:To be or not to be: that is the

question.2. They act as objects:

I want to travel to France.3. They act as subject compliment

A student’s goal is to pass the class.

Infinitives are used when:1. The emphasis in on the action:

I like to box. (I do it myself.)2. The action is future-oriented:

I’m going to marry her.3. It involves a commitment verb

(decide, offer, persuade, tell, etc.)I told them to leave.

He ordered us to get out.

Gerunds are:

1. More like nouns.2. Possessive modifier possible.

3. Specified agent (doer) less likely.Meanings:

EventsMore proposition-like

Performer not assumedMore definite

Actually happens

Infinitives are:Features:

More verb-likeNo possessive modifierSpecified agent likely

Meaning:More performance like

Performer assumedLess definite

Possibly happens

Special cases: Stop, Remember, Forget

He stopped to buy the paper.He stopped buying the paper.He remembers paying the bill.He remembers to pay the bill.He forgot to take his medicine.He forgot taking his medicine.