Gerunds and infinitives come from verb forms but function as nuns.
A gerund or an infinitive can be a direct object of a verb.
Gerund = an - ing form of a verb She enjoys painting. | Infinitive = to + a base form He wants to paint the kitchen yellow. |
Use a gerund after the following verbs: Avoid Discuss Dislike Don’t mind Enjoy Feel like Practice Quit Suggest | Use an infinitive after the following verbs: Agree Be sure Choose Decide Expect Hope Learn Need Plan Seem Want Wish Would like | Other verbs can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive: Being Can´t stand Continue Hate Like Love Prefer Start |
Remember two other – ing forms:
She is painting. (present participle)
The trip was relaxing. (participle adjectives)
