Mastering the Difference: Gerund vs Infinitive

Mastering the Difference: Gerund vs Infinitive

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to confidently differentiate between gerunds and infinitives, understand when to use each, and recognize cases where the meaning changes.

Introduction

Gerunds and infinitives are verb forms that can function as nouns in a sentence.

Gerunds

Gerunds are formed by adding -ing to the base form of a verb.

Infinitives

Infinitives are the base form of a verb preceded by 'to'.

Choose the correct form: I enjoy ________(to read / reading) books.

Slide 8: Interactive Exercise

Choose the correct form: She tried ________(to solve / solving) the problem.

Slide 9: Change in Meaning

Sometimes using a gerund or infinitive can result in a change in meaning.

Slide 10: Change in Meaning

I stopped smoking. (I quit the habit) vs I stopped to smoke. (I paused what I was doing to smoke)

Slide 11: Change in Meaning

I remember studying for the exam. (I recall the act of studying) vs I remember to study for the exam. (I remind myself to study)

Slide 12: Interactive Exercise

Choose the correct form: He stopped ________(to talk / talking) when I entered the room.

Slide 13: Interactive Exercise

Choose the correct form: I can't forget ________(to meet / meeting) him yesterday.

Slide 14: Practice Makes Perfect

Complete the sentences with the correct form: I love ________(to dance / dancing) at parties.

Slide 15: Practice Makes Perfect

Complete the sentences with the correct form: He agreed ________(to help / helping) with the project.

Slide 17: Common Verbs and Patterns

Verbs followed by gerunds: enjoy, hate, love, suggest. Verbs followed by infinitives: want, need, plan, decide.