GERUNDS

Any non-active form (a form which is not conjugated) of a verb is known is a verbal. There are three types of verbals: gerunds, infinitives, and participles. The gerund is identical in form to the present participle; i.e., it is the -ing form of a verb (with appropriate spelling modifications... see p.6).

Infinitive

to be

to go

to write

Gerund Form

being

going

writing

The gerund only differs from the present participle in the way is used.

A present participle may be used:

a) as part of a continuous tense verb (e.g. He is reading a book.)

b) as an adjective (e.g. It is a very exciting book.)

A gerund is used as a NOUN SUBSTITUTE; i.e., a gerund may be used:

a) as the SUBJECT of a clause (e.g. Skydiving is my favorite sport.)

b) as the OBJECT of a verb (e.g. I love skydiving.)

c) as the OBJECT of a preposition (e.g. I never get tired of skydiving.)

Exercise. Determine whether the -ing words in the following sentences are gerunds or present participles:

1. He is working overtime tonight.

2. He loves working overtime.

3. Dying in a plane crash is her worst fear.

4. She insisted on taking the train.

5. Put all the ingredients in a frying pan.

6. Frying the ingredients will prevent the loss of important vitamins.

WHEN TO USE GERUNDS AND WHEN TO USE INFINITIVES. It is often necessary or convenient to convert a verb into a noun. As we have seen, the gerund can be used in this way, and there are three possible situations in which this can occur (see a, b, and c above). However the infinitive can also function as a noun substitute. The question, then, is When do we use the gerund, and when the infinitive?

In case c) (object of a preposition), the gerund form must be used.

Ex.: She killed him by pushing him off a cliff. (gerund as object of a preposition)

In case a), (the subject of a clause), the gerund is usually used (although the infinitive form can sometimes be used to lend an idealistic nuance)

Ex.: Running for president requires a lot of money. (gerund phrase as subject)

To run for president was his greatest ambition. (infinitive phrase as subject)

In case b), (the object of a verb), sometimes the gerund is used, and sometimes the infinitive is used. The choice depends on the verb which precedes the gerund. Lists of verbs which take the gerund form are on the next page. Verbs not found in any of the three lists take the infinitive.

admit

anticipate

appreciate

avoid

consider

delay

deny

detest

discuss

dislike

enjoy

escape

excuse

fancy

finish

forgive

(can't) help

keep

mention

mind

miss

pardon

postpone

practice

quit

recall

recollect

recommend

require

resent

resist

risk

(can't) stand

suggest

understand

Note: the verbs marked with an asterisk (^*) are usually followed by an object if the infinitive is used. No object is used if the verb is followed by a gerund.

Example: The doctor advised taking a few days off work.

but The doctor advised me to take a few days off work.

VERBS FOLLOWED BY GERUNDS OR INFINITIVES

(WITH A CHANGE IN MEANING)

Verb

Meaning when followed by an infinitive

Meaning when followed by a gerund

mean

To intend, to be determined to do.

Ex: I mean to finish this job no matter what.

To signify, to result in.

Ex: A new baseball stadium will mean having to raise taxes.

need

The usual meaning of need.

Ex: We need to do some work.

= need + passive infinitive

Ex: The work needs doing. = The work needs to be done.

regret

To feel regret for an action first and then to do the action.

Ex: We regret to inform you that your credit card has been cancelled.

To do an action first and later to regret it.

Ex: I regret spending so much money, because now I can't pay all my bills.

remember

To remember an action first and then to do the action.

Ex: Remember to call me next week.

To do an action first and later to remember it.

Ex: I remember playing with you when we were both children.

stop

To stop in order to do another action.

Ex: I stopped to tie my shoelaces.

To quit.

Ex: I stopped smoking two years ago.

try

To attempt to do something.

Ex: He tried to find a job.

To experiment, to do an action in order to test what happens.

Ex: He tried looking in the classified ads.

EXERCISE - GERUNDS vs. INFINITIVES

Use the correct form (gerund or infinitive) of the verbs in parentheses.

When I couldn't find my key, she suggested (look) under the doormat.

After (arrest) me, the officer allowed me (make) one phone call.

You should avoid (be) absent if you want (pass) this course.

I can't help (wonder) why Lorraine Pagé won't admit (steal) the gloves.

I want (inform) you of my decision (accept) the job.

I hope (see) you soon.

She decided (quit) (smoke).

(eat) is not allowed in the classroom.

I'm considering (have) a nose job.

10.

He plans (keep) playing hockey after his leg gets better.

11.

(watch) television is a good way (improve) your English.

12.

"Will you turn that thing off; I can't stand (listen) to it any more!"

13.

I tried (convince) him to see the doctor, but he refused (go).

14.

I tried (hold) my breath, but my hiccups still didn't go away.

15.

If you enjoy (swim) and scuba (dive), you will love (visit) Trinidad.

16.

The rabbit stopped (take) a nap, so the tortoise won the race.

17.

I wouldn't advise (bring) in that bottle of beer; the management doesn't permit anyone (enter) with drinks from outside.

18.

I can't remember (cross) the street; it's all a complete blank.

19.

"Remember (study) your gerunds," said the teacher.

20.

He talks about (look) for a job, but I don't think he really intends (work).

21.

I'm sorry. I didn't mean (step) on your foot; it was a mistake.

22.

They have delayed (start) construction on the new airport because a new report recommends (make) some important changes to the plans.

23.

Those plants need (water); they look almost dead.

24.

After you finish (wash) the dishes, would you mind (take out) the garbage?

25.

I regret (tell) you that this bank cannot risk (lend) you any more money.