Gerunds

A gerund (verb + ing) acts like a noun in a sentence.

• Seeing is believing.
• Running a marathon is not an easy thing to do.
• Watching TV is sometimes harmful.
• Eating is always fun.
• My hobby is painting.
• She loves babysitting her sister.
• I like listening to music.
• I wasted all my afternoon by taking a nap.
• I am afraid of singing a song on a stage.

Often, a possessive noun or pronoun comes before a gerund.

• I hope that you don’t mind my using your pen.
• Don’t be mad about my leaving early.
• I don’t want you misunderstanding.
• You will be amazed by my writing.

[Quiz 14.1]

Fill in the blanks.

1) I enjoy (draw) as a hobby.
2) She likes (buy) clothes.
3) Children are fond of (play) with water.
4) (dance) is my favorite thing to do.
5) I am upset at his (break) the rule.

Infinitives Part 1

An infinitive is a verb combined with the word to. Most often, an infinitive acts as a noun in the sentence. Less frequently, it acts as an adjective or an adverb.

• I want to go home early today.
• I hope to be chosen as a member.
• I prefer to go there earlier.
• You need to consider various rules in writing sentences.
• You have to explain your reasoning in detail.
• You might wish to act as a teacher.
• To leave for a vacation is my only wish at this time.
• A common mistake in a relationship is not to trust the other person.
• Help me to save the trees!
• To be mentally healthy, you must read books.
• Do you want me to fill out this form?
• Here is our to-do list.
• It was nice to meet you.
• It is time to move on.
• I am young enough to change my habits.
• Don’t forget not to make grammar mistakes.
• You are required to leave all your belongings here.
• I came to see a doctor today.
• You have to work harder to succeed.
• I need to take three more classes to finish my graduate study.
• I got closer to the speaker to listen clearly.
• Be sure to check if you have tickets.
• I am going to buy the new computer.

Generally, it is not common to split to and the verb except for when you want to emphasize the verb.

• I want you to immediately stop doing that.
• You have to seriously work hard to succeed.
• You need to definitely explain your reasoning in detail.

[Quiz 15.1]

Fill in the blanks.

1) I am going (learn) English.
2) It is common (make) a grammar mistake.
3) Did you come (clean) my house?