2. INFINITIVE
The infinitive is part of the basis for fully understanding the use of English verbs. The
infinitive is the basic form of English verbs. It is usually structured as follows: to + (verb
stem), for example, to talk. However, there is also the form without to. They are rarely
used as the object of a preposition. Verb and expressions followed by infinitive are mental
state or activity; agree, choose, decide, offer, etc.
use as a noun:
To know her is to love her
Use as a verbal complement:
I always wanted to have a dog
Use as circumstantial:
I had too many books to carry
3. GERUND
A gerund is a non-finite (non-conjugated) form of the verb used to make a verb phrase
that can replace a noun phrase. The present participle form is used because it ends in
'ing', e.g. 'hearing'. It’s generally followed by prepositions.
Use as subject: Smoking is bad for your health.
Use as an adjective: This is the waiting room, sir.
Use as a verbal complement: Your hair needs cutting.
Use as circumstantial: You can’t make an omelet without breaking some eggs.
Use of structures with gerunds: Be used to indicate that something has become familiar. Use this
expression when something is now a habit or routine
By this time next year, I will be used to living in Brazil
Get used to indicate that something is becoming familiar. Use this expression for a new habit or routine
I am getting used to living with my new roommate
4. SEMANTIC DIFFERENCES IN THE USE OF THE GERUND AND INFINITIVE
The gerund is more common when you are talking generally and the infinitive when you are
talking about a specific occasion, example:
• Gerund
I like going to the dentist
Infinitive
• I like to go to the dentist once a year
Gerunds are best for use in sentences about actions that are real or complete, or that have been
completed. Infinitives are best for use in sentences about actions that are unreal or abstract, or
that will occur in the future
She stopped smoking years ago/ she stopped to smoke to tell you
The first sentence refers to the fact that she stopped smoking a long time ago and does not plan
to go back, in the second that she stopped smoking at that time to say something and then went
back to smoking again. Therefore, when you want to speak in a specific way you use the infinitive
and not the gerund.
