1. One of the strongest rules in English
Gerunds + Infinitives
One of the strongest rules in English

2. Gerunds + Infinitives
A gerund is a verb that has been changed to a noun by adding “ING”.
Walk (verb)
Walking (noun)

3. Gerunds + Infinitives
A gerund is different from the progressive forms of verbs.
You can see that it is not progressive because there isn’t the verb BE in front.
I love walking.
(Gerund)
I am walking.
(Present progressive.)
It has “am” in front)

4. Gerunds + Infinitives A gerund can be a subject or an object.
I hate walking. (the gerund is an OBJECT)
Smoking is unhealthy. (the gerund is a SUBJECT)

5. Gerunds + Infinitives
If you have a verb after a preposition, you are WRONG! Change the verb to a GERUND to keep your grammar correct.
I am thinking of walk.
I am thinking of walking.

6. Gerunds + Infinitives
Why? Please remember that a prepositional phrase ENDS with a noun! You cannot put a verb inside a prepositional phrase!
I am thinking of walk.
I am thinking of walking.
I am asking about studying.
I forgot about asking the teacher.

7. Gerunds + Infinitives Think about what you’re doing after school.
Tell your partner what sport you’re thinking of. “I’m thinking of…”
Did you say “I’m thinking of ______ing?”

8. Gerunds + Infinitives
An infinitive is when we add “to” in front of a verb!
Please notice that we do not change the verb after the word “to!”
To eat
To walk
To run
To play

9. Gerunds + Infinitives
We often use infinitives to explain why we are doing something.
This type of infinitive is called an Infinitive of Purpose.
Why do you study English?
I am studying English to get a good job.
= I am studying English because I want to get a good job.

10. Gerunds + Infinitives Why are you studying English?
Use an infinitive of purpose to explain why.
I’m studying English…
I’m studying English to _______________

11. Gerunds + Infinitives
We also use infinitives to explain how we feel about something.
S + be + adjective + infinitive
I am happy to help you.
I am sad to say that you failed.
She will be excited to learn that you will marry her!

12. Gerunds + Infinitives
MOST IMPORTANTLY:

13. Gerunds + Infinitives
Some verbs are ALWAYS followed by a gerund or infinitive!
I avoid talking to her.
I decided to leave early.

14. Gerunds + Infinitives
You must know these verbs. They are very important for good grammar!
I avoid talking to her.
I decided to leave early.

15. Gerunds + Infinitives
Finally, some verbs are always followed by an object and infinitive. This can be very confusing for some students.
I asked him to help me.
I hired the plumber to fix my toilet.
I taught my dog to get the newspaper.

16. Gerunds + Infinitives The pattern is: I asked him to help me.
S + V + O + infinitive
We use this to show that we made someone else do something for us.
I asked him to help me.
I hired the plumber to fix my toilet.
I taught my dog to get the newspaper.