Page 45 - Starting Strong: English Essentials

Language Focus

Gerunds and To Infinitive

Gerunds and infinitives can be used to talk about routines, hobbies, likes/dislikes, and plans. They are verb forms
that can take the place of a noun in a sentence.

Gerund To Infinitive

A gerund is the -ing form of a verb that acts as a A to-infinitive is “to + base verb” and can also act
noun. as a noun.

Examples: Examples:

“Reading helps improve your vocabulary.” “To read every day is good for your brain.”
“She enjoys reading before bed.” “She wants to read a new book.”

How to use gerunds and to infinitives in sentences

1. As the Subject of a Sentence

GERUND as the Subject TO INFINITIVE as the Subject

▪ “Learning English takes time.” ▪ “To learn English takes time.”
▪ “Swimming is good for your body.” ▪ “To swim is good for your body.”
▪ “Doing yoga in the morning can refresh your ▪ “To do yoga in the morning can refresh
mind.” your mind.”

▪ “Reading is a relaxing hobby.” ▪ “To read is a relaxing hobby.”

2. As the Object After Certain Verbs
Common Verbs Followed by Gerunds
Enjoy “The enjoy reading fantasy books on weekends.”
Avoid “She always avoids watching horror movies at night.”
Keep “He keeps forgetting his medicine.”

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