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.

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.