Though, gerund and infinitive are not the basic components of parts of speech. But, according to use in a sentence, they are popular for their distinctness in our day to day conversation. In this blog, I’m going to explain gerund and infinitive difference.
Before going towards differences, first of all we will understand what is gerund and infinitive in short.
Understanding gerund and infinitive difference
Gerund is a word ends in -ing and works like a noun in a sentence despite it seems like a verb.
Basic verb+ ing = gerund
Examples of gerund in sentences
- Riding a horse is like an adventure.
- Motivating others is a nice thing
What does infinitive mean?
Expectedly, infinitive is an infinite verb ending in “ing” and works like noun as well as verb in a sentence. As it is infinite means, it is not bound by person, number, gender or tense.
To + Basic verb = infinitive
Examples of infinitives in sentences
1.I am ready to assist you. ( To assist)
2.They were eager to see her. (To see)
3.We have requested them to support us in upcoming general elections. (To support)
4.Train is ready to depart. (To depart)
Understanding the importance of infinitive in english grammar, it is better to think deeply over infinitive.
Describing the correct use of Infinitive in English grammar
In the English grammar, the infinitive is known as the most basic form of verb, or non-finite verb, which is often preceded by “To” particle.
As per rules, it doesn’t used as a main verb to express actions performed, but used as a noun, adjectives, adverbs, and infinitive clauses.
Meaning and definition of infinitive in English grammar
Infinitive is a non-finite verb, widely used to perform the functions of noun, adjectives, or adverbs. It is used as a simple infinitive, infinitive phrase, or, infinitive clause to construct better sense of meaning.
Further, it is also known as the most basic form of verb. It, in the sentence, plays the role of subject, or object, object complement.
Role and importance of infinitive in the English grammar
Infinitive as a subject
As I mentioned earlier that infinitive functions as a noun and, accordingly play the role of noun in the sentence.
- To win the gold medal in the Olympics was his ultimate goal.
- To work as a professor was his first choice.To work
Infinitive as a subject complement
Infinitive also plays the role of predicate noun to work as a subject complement.
It is generally used after a linking verb.The ultimate achievement in life is to stay memorable.
Infinitive as an object
As we know that object is a word used to receive the action performed by the subject.
Infinitive is widely used in the role of object in the form of basic infinitive, phrase, or infinitive clause.
- They have already decided to go on study tour.
- To go on study tourI am doing my level best to convince him.
- To convince him
- She is working so hard to complete her project on time.
- To complete her project on time Company instructed not to answer the unknown numbers.
Not to answer the unknown numbers – object in reported speech
He promised to buy them a cricket kit. To buy them a cricket kit.
Infinitive as an object complement
“Object complement” is always used after the direct object. But, “object” is used in the intransitive sentences after main verb.
They taught me to work honestly.
She helped children to attend regular school.
He has rejected her to place his brother.
Difference between gerund and infinitive
In first appearance, gerund and infinitive seems alike. Sometimes, they are inter-changeable and can replace each other. Due to these qualities they play different roles in sentence structure in English grammar.
Here are some key differences between gerund and infinitive
- Gerund is formed by adding “ing” to the basic form verb. On the other hand, infinitive is formed by putting to before basic form of a verb.
Basic form of verb + ing = gerund; To + basic form of verb = infinitive
2. Gerund functions like noun whereas infinitive play the role of verb as well as noun in a sentence.
3. Gerund can come after the possessive personal pronouns like my, your, their etc. But, we can not take infinitive after the possessive personal pronouns.
Editor is not satisfied with your reporting
Local traders will object your selling without permit.
My class mates are critic of my writing.
4. We cannot use infinitive as a prepositional object. It means we can not take infinitive after the preposition.
But gerund can be used as object of the preposition.
- We are here for helping you. (do not use “to help”)
- She is fond of cooking. (do not use “to cook”)
- He is poor at expressing.
- Development is not possible without spending. (do not use “to spend”)
This is small attempt to explain the scope of gerund and infinitive in English grammar.
Explanation of Functions of gerund
Simply, Gerund is a non-finite word which means it is not limited or changed according to the person, number or tense. It is formed by adding “ing” to the basic form of the verb. It functions like a noun in a sentence.
In first appearance, it seems like verb as it is with “ing” at the end. But, actually, it is a noun.
- Sing + in = singing
- Dance + ing = dancing
- Run + ing = running
- Play + ing = playing
- Create + ing = creating
these are some examples of gerund…..
What are the major functions of gerund?
By adding “ing” at the end of basic verb, gerund functions as per following way.
- Subject of the verb
- Object of the verb
- As a complement
- As a prepositional object
1.Functions of gerund as a subject of the verb:
Obviously, as it works like noun, it functions as a subject of a verb in the sentence.
- Helping is a noble nature.
- Playing early in morning is nothing less than a tonic.
- Singing is my passion.
Moreover, in above all examples helping, playing, singing act as subject of respective verbs.
2.Functions of gerund as an object of the verb
- They love wandering early in the morning.
- Cubs enjoy swimming everyday in the pool.
- Kids kept jumping in the garden.
- Renowed businessmen love cooking in their kitchens.
In above examples, gerunds wandering, swimming, jumping and cooking are objects of their respective verbs.
3.Functions of gerund as a verb complement
Certainly, gerund also acts as complement of a verb in a sentence.
- It seems confusing.
- Artist shown a beautiful painting.
- They provided me backing.
- Deserved thing is missing here.
Above examples show how gerund are working as verb complements to say something more about their respective verbs as well as emphasises on them.
As a prepositional object.
In addition, gerund also act as object of the preposition in the sentence. Here are some examples of it.
- He has a good hand at painting.
- He want to enjoy without spending.
- Craze of eating made him a scapegoat.
- She doesn’t know about riding.
Apart from this, Gerund also used for the formation of different words. For example :
Dinning +table = dinning table
Living + room = living room
Spoon + feeding = spoon feeding
Loading + truck = loading truck and so on.
Uses And Types Of Participle In English
Participle is a word seems like a verb but acts as like an adjective in English grammar. Participle helps to avoid use of adjectives, relative clauses and sometimes conjunctions in sentences.Therefore, conversation becomes quick and meaningful.
Types of participle in English grammar
- Present participle : basic verb + ing
- Past participle : third form of basic verb
Uses and role of participle in English
1. As an adjective :
It works as an adjective and comes before to qualifiy the noun.It attributes the noun coming in the sentence.
Examples of participle as an adjective
- Smiling baby appeals for something.
- Flowing river makes melodious sounds.
- Prepared dishes are not always preferred by some customers.
- Threatened species are being monitored.
- Passing vehicles are in hurry.
2. As an adjective phrase :
Participle as an adjective phrase comes immediate after the noun it qualifies.
Examples of participle as an adjective phrase.
- People shouting outside are the party workers.
- The couple separated is now regreting over it’s decision.
- Children rescued are in rehabilitation camp.
- Officer suspended has summoned by the court
- Project sanctioned is in dispute.
- The fruits hanging on branch are swinging on the tune of the wind.
3. Participle as an object complement :
Participle adds something more about the object noun.
- He traveled whole night in standing
- Call the person waiting outside.
- Missed opportunities can not be repealed.
- Wrong deeds are not justifying anyways.
4. Participle as a Subject complement
Examples of participle as a subject complement in sentences
- His speech was too boring.
- It seems confusing.
- They kept me waiting outside the office.
- His actions are always frustrating.
As we know that, participle are also used to make verb tenses as well as passive voices in English grammar.
Here are some general examples of Participles
1.We have been witnessing a pleasant experience since her joining us.
2.Having been exhausted, nobody preferred to move ahead.
3.Belive me, “My priorities have been changed considering the ongoing challenges.
4.Having addicted of technology, she purchased another mobile phone.
After all, this is a small synopsis about gerund and infinitive difference as well as functions of gerund.
Explanation of Non Finite & finite Clause
Explaining role of complements
Simple present and continuous present
Alternative coordinating conjunctions