Gerunds and Infinitives
Gerunds and Infinitives: verb forms used as another part of speech
A gerund has an -ing form and looks like a verb but acts like a noun.
Reading is fun.
- A gerund may be replaced with a single noun or pronoun and still make sense.
For example: It is fun.
- A gerund functions just like a noun in this sentence.
Gardening is the object of the verb enjoy.
An infinitive is a verb form (to be, to go, etc.) which can act as a noun, adjective, or adverb.
- I want to eat. (noun)
- I have a list of groceries to buy. (adjective)
- The homework was difficult to finish. (adverb)
You may delete the “to” of the infinitive after these verbs:
- hear
- help
- let
- make
- please
- see
- watch
For example: My teacher helps me (to) learn infinitives.