Gerunds & Infinitives

Focus on Academic English

How to use Gerunds – Unit 12

O As the subject of a clause (2.1):O Getting an A is awesome.

O As the object of a verb (2.1): O I love giving students A’s.

O As the object of a preposition (3.1):O I dreamed about riding a horse.

O With certain common expressions (3.2):O Don’t spend money buying new books.

O After Nouns + of (4.1):O The cost of going to college is rising.

Rules to RememberO Always use a gerund after a preposition.

O Students often worry about get into college.O Students often worry about getting into

college.O With a gerund (or infinitive) subject,

always use a singular verb.O Interviewing at several colleges are time-

consuming.O Interviewing at several colleges is time-

consuming.O Generally, use a gerund for a subject, not

an infinitive.

How to use Infinitives – Unit 13

O As the object of a verb (2.1, 2.2):O I hope to pass the class.O My parents expect me to call them.

O After an Adjective (4.1):O They were anxious to begin the test.O It is shameful to cheat.

O After some Nouns (4.2): ability, chance, decision, time, wayO It was a good decision to study

abroad.

Rules to RememberO Don’t confuse the preposition ‘to’ with

the infinitive ‘to’O I look forward to see the new dragon movie.O I look forward to seeing the new dragon

movie.O After an adjective, use the infinitive,

not ‘for’O It is important for make sure the machine

works.O It is important to make sure the machine

works.

Example Quiz Questions

O Find the mistake in each sentence:O I thought about to return to my

country.O Write a gerund or infinitive:

O It’s necessary (have) __________ a job.O Finish the sentence with your

own idea, using a gerund or infinitive correctly:O I have trouble ____________________.O I am afraid ______________________.O I’m interested in __________________.O It’s illegal ________________________.