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 Remember O 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, way O It was a good decision to study abroad.

Rules to Remember O 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 ________________________.