Basic Rules and Exceptions for Infinitives and Gerunds

This page delves deeper into the use of infinitives and gerunds in English, providing some basic rules to help learners navigate their usage. It also introduces exceptions and variations to these rules.

Key points covered on this page include:

1. Infinitives are always used to express purpose (answering the question "for what?") and after adjectives.

2. Gerunds are always used after prepositions or phrasal verbs, and when the verb is the subject of the sentence.

Example: "I'm learning English to get a better job" (infinitive expressing purpose)

Example: "She's interested in learning more" (gerund after preposition)

The page also discusses exceptions, particularly with verbs expressing likes and preferences. These verbs can be followed by either gerunds or infinitives, with slight differences in meaning.

Example: "I like going to the cinema whenever I can" vs. "I like to go to the cinema once a month"

The first example expresses enjoyment of the action, while the second indicates an important habit for the speaker.

This information helps learners understand the nuances in meaning when choosing between infinitives and gerunds with certain verbs.

Verbs That Accept Both Infinitives and Gerunds

This page focuses on verbs in English that can be followed by either infinitives or gerunds, with and without changes in meaning. It provides valuable information for learners trying to master the use of infinitives and gerunds in English.

The page lists verbs that can be followed by either form without changing the meaning:

• Begin
• Bother
• Continue
• Prefer
• Start

Example: "I began singing" and "I began to sing" both mean "I started to sing."

The page then discusses verbs where the choice between infinitive and gerund does affect the meaning:

• Remember
• Try
• Stop

Example: "I remembered to buy milk" (remembering and then doing) vs. "I remember going to the beach" (recalling a past experience)

Highlight: The choice between infinitive and gerund can significantly alter the meaning of the sentence with certain verbs.

This information is crucial for learners to understand the subtle differences in meaning that can occur when choosing between infinitives and gerunds with these verbs.

Modal Verbs and Common Errors

This final page of the guide focuses on the use of modal verbs with infinitives and highlights some common errors in the use of infinitives and gerunds in English.

Key points covered on this page include:

1. Modal verbs (should, might, must, may, can, and could) are always followed by the infinitive WITHOUT "to".

2. The verbs "let" and "make" also follow this pattern, being followed by the base form of the verb without "to".

Highlight: Modal verbs are always followed by the infinitive form without "to".

Example: "You should eat more vegetables" (not "You should to eat more vegetables")

This information is particularly important for English learners, as the correct use of modal verbs is essential for expressing concepts like possibility, necessity, and advice in English.

The page concludes by mentioning common errors related to the use of infinitives and gerunds, although the specific errors are not detailed in the provided transcript.

This final section reinforces the importance of understanding these verb forms and their correct usage to avoid common mistakes in English communication.

Understanding Infinitives and Gerunds in English

This page introduces the concept of infinitives and gerunds in English, highlighting that there are no strict grammatical rules governing their usage. Instead, English learners must familiarize themselves with lists of verbs that are commonly followed by either the infinitive or gerund form.

The page provides two comprehensive lists:

1. Verbs frequently followed by infinitives (to + verb)
2. Verbs frequently followed by gerunds (-ing form)

Highlight: There is no specific grammatical rule to determine whether a verb should be followed by an infinitive or gerund. Learners must memorize verb lists.

Example: Some verbs that are followed by infinitives include "afford," "agree," "decide," and "forget." For instance, "She can't afford to buy a new computer."

Example: Verbs commonly followed by gerunds include "enjoy," "finish," "imagine," and "mind." For example, "I enjoy going to the cinema."

The page concludes with examples of how these verbs are used in sentences, providing context for learners to understand their application in real-world situations.