Learn English Grammar – Infinitive vs. Gerund as a Subject

English Grammar Lessons

Introduction

Welcome to NJCLT's free English lesson on infinitives and gerunds as subjects. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the difference between these two commonly used verb forms and understand how to use them effectively in various sentence structures.

Understanding Infinitives

An infinitive is the base form of a verb preceded by the word "to." It is used to express actions or states of being without indicating tense or subject. Infinitives can function as subjects in sentences, providing clarity and emphasis to the action being discussed.

Benefits of Using Infinitives as Subjects

  • Clarity: By using infinitives as subjects, you can clearly state the action or purpose of the sentence.
  • Emphasis: Infinitives as subjects can help to emphasize the importance of an action or goal.
  • Express Intentions: Infinitives allow you to express intentions or desires without specifying a particular subject.

Examples of Using Infinitives as Subjects

Let's take a look at some examples to better understand how infinitives function as subjects:

  • To swim in the ocean is my favorite activity during summer.
  • To travel the world is her lifelong dream.
  • To learn a new language requires time and dedication.

Exploring Gerunds

A gerund is a verb form that ends in "-ing" and functions as a noun in a sentence. Gerunds can also be used as subjects, providing a more dynamic and action-oriented tone to the sentence.

Benefits of Using Gerunds as Subjects

  • Action-Oriented: Gerunds as subjects add vitality and action to your sentence.
  • Verbal Descriptions: Gerunds allow you to describe ongoing actions or situations.
  • Varied Sentence Structures: Gerunds as subjects offer versatility in sentence construction.

Examples of Using Gerunds as Subjects

Let's take a look at some examples to better understand how gerunds function as subjects:

  • Swimming in the ocean is my favorite activity during summer.
  • Traveling the world is her lifelong dream.
  • Learning a new language requires time and dedication.

Differences and Usage

While both infinitives and gerunds can be used as subjects in a sentence, there are subtle differences in their usage:

Infinitives vs. Gerunds as Subjects

InfinitivesGerundsThey are often used to express intentions or purposes.They emphasize ongoing actions or situations.Infinitives are preceded by the word "to".Gerunds end in "-ing".Infinitives can be used to express future actions.Gerunds depict ongoing or continuous actions.

How to Choose between Infinitives and Gerunds as Subjects

Choosing between infinitives and gerunds as subjects depends on the context and desired emphasis. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:

Consider the Purpose:

Think about whether you want to express an intention or highlight an ongoing action, and choose the appropriate form accordingly.

Take Note of Verb Patterns:

Some verbs are commonly followed by infinitives, while others are more frequently followed by gerunds. Familiarize yourself with these patterns to enhance your grammatical accuracy.

Be Mindful of Verb Tense:

Infinitives can express future actions, while gerunds are used for ongoing or continuous actions. Ensure that your choice aligns with the desired tense of your sentence.

Tips for Practicing Infinitives and Gerunds

Here are some tips to help you practice using infinitives and gerunds effectively:

  1. Read extensively in English to encounter various examples of sentence structures containing infinitives and gerunds.
  2. Listen to English podcasts or watch movies to expose yourself to natural examples of these verb forms.
  3. Practice writing sentences using both infinitives and gerunds as subjects to gain confidence in your language skills.
  4. Consider seeking guidance from qualified language tutors or online learning platforms to receive personalized feedback and further enhance your understanding.

Conclusion

In this comprehensive guide, we delved into the difference between infinitives and gerunds as subjects. By using infinitives, you can clearly express intentions, while gerunds add action-oriented vitality to your sentences. Understanding the nuances and choosing between these verb forms will enhance your overall English language proficiency. Remember to practice regularly and seek guidance when needed to solidify your knowledge. Start using infinitives and gerunds effectively today to elevate your language skills!

Kimberly Billetter

Thank you for the crystal-clear explanations in the article. It really helped me grasp the concept of infinitives and gerunds.

Don Able

Infinitives and gerunds as subjects have always been confusing for me, but this article made it much clearer. Thank you!

Inc Economics

This article offers a brilliant breakdown of infinitives and gerunds. Thanks for making it so accessible!

Stephanie Garey

The article was a turning point for me in understanding infinitives and gerunds. It's an indispensable resource for language learners.

Diane Kenna

I'm grateful for the valuable insights provided in this article. It has been instrumental in my understanding of the usage of infinitives and gerunds.

Admin David

This article should be a go-to reference for anyone learning English grammar. It's simply outstanding!

Penny Vaskess

The comparisons in the article made it easy for me to distinguish between using infinitives and gerunds as subjects. Very helpful!

Lisanne Jordan

The article is an absolute gem for anyone learning English grammar. Thanks for the valuable insights and practical explanations.

Nadeem Alam

This article was fantastic! It's a great resource for understanding when to use infinitives and gerunds. Thank you for the clarity offered.

Martin Giles

I can't thank you enough for this article. It's a game-changer for anyone looking to improve their English grammar.

Ken Flecknell

Thanks for this comprehensive guide on infinitives and gerunds as subjects. It was incredibly helpful for my English grammar study.

Jj Giraldi

This article provided a much-needed clarity on the use of infinitives and gerunds as subjects. It's a must-read for English learners.

Ivan Silantyev

I really struggled with this topic, but your article has been an enormous help. Thank you for making it so clear and accessible!

Debbie Cole

This article is a game-changer for anyone struggling with English grammar. It makes the usage of infinitives and gerunds so much clearer.

Mariah Tarr

The article was a real eye-opener for me. I now feel much more confident in using infinitives and gerunds correctly. Thank you!

Robert Hatley

The article was a turning point for me in understanding the nuances between infinitives and gerunds as subjects. It's a highly informative piece.

Deepak Khot

Thank you for the crystal-clear explanations in the article. It really helped me grasp the concept of infinitives and gerunds.

Susan Clark

The article was a game-changer for my understanding of infinitives and gerunds. Thank you for simplifying this concept for me!

Thomas Pruyne

The article was a treasure trove of knowledge on using infinitives and gerunds. It's an essential read for anyone learning English.

Wayne Jager

This article is a goldmine for anyone trying to master English grammar. It's clear, concise, and incredibly helpful. Thank you!

,

The article was a real eye-opener for me. It finally made the distinction between infinitives and gerunds clear. Thank you!

Viren Balar

The article is a goldmine for English learners. I was finally able to understand the nuances between infinitives and gerunds.

Nicole

I highly recommend this article to anyone struggling with English grammar. It's a game-changer!

Mary Eubanks

The article was a turning point for me in understanding the nuances between infinitives and gerunds as subjects. It's a highly informative piece.

Lloyd Davis

I appreciate the detailed breakdown of infinitives and gerunds. It's been a bit of a struggle for me, but this article made it easier to grasp.

STEVE RESCO

This article was a lifesaver for my English grammar study. The examples were especially helpful.

Other

This article is a game-changer for anyone struggling with English grammar. It makes the usage of infinitives and gerunds so much clearer.

Mace Stuart

This article is a game-changer for anyone striving to improve their English grammar. The insights and practical examples are invaluable.

Unknown

Thanks for a comprehensive guide on infinitives and gerunds as subjects. This article was incredibly helpful!

Zara Bunyatov

The article was a tremendous help in understanding infinitives and gerunds. I can't thank you enough for this.

Brannon Lacey

The article was a game-changer for me. I now feel much more confident in using infinitives and gerunds correctly.

Keith Dillon

The article is an absolute gem for anyone learning English grammar. Thanks for the valuable insights and practical explanations.

Sharath Acharya

The article is a gem for language learners. I'm truly impressed!

Karoline Faust

This article was a lifesaver for me. I've always struggled with this topic, but your explanations were incredibly helpful.

Pratibha Dubey

The article was a real eye-opener for me. It finally made the distinction between infinitives and gerunds clear. Thank you!

Michael Schoenfeld

This article made understanding infinitives and gerunds as subjects a breeze! Thank you for the clear explanations.

Roger Merriman

I'm grateful for the valuable insights provided in this article. It has been instrumental in my understanding of the usage of infinitives and gerunds.

Unknown

Great explanation! Now I understand when to use infinitives and when to use gerunds as subjects.

Damien Dash

The article provided a clear understanding of the differences between infinitives and gerunds. Thank you for this valuable lesson.

Steve Depalantino

I struggled with this topic for so long, but this article finally made it click for me. Thank you for simplifying it!

Mark Fletcher

This article is a goldmine for anyone looking to master English grammar. The explanations are clear and the examples are practical. Thank you!

Karen Brown

This article is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the nuances of infinitives and gerunds. It's truly insightful!

Jose Pierre

The article was a game-changer for my understanding of infinitives and gerunds. Thank you for simplifying this concept for me!

Add Email

The article was a lifesaver for me. It finally made the distinction between infinitives and gerunds as subjects clear. Thank you!

Nicole Deep

This article is a goldmine for anyone trying to master English grammar. It's clear, concise, and incredibly helpful. Thank you!

Luca Marino

I never knew the difference between infinitives and gerunds as subjects until reading this article. Thank you for the insight!

Leping Li

I can't express how valuable this article was in helping me understand infinitives and gerunds as subjects. Thank you so much!

Vickie Gillespie

The usage of emojis in the examples made the article more engaging and fun to read! Thank you for that.

Mollie Monahan

I found the article to be an excellent resource for understanding infinitives and gerunds. Thank you for sharing this with us.

Michael Degale

What a comprehensive guide! This has been the best explanation I've come across for infinitives and gerunds as subjects.

浅利

I am so grateful for this article! As a non-native English speaker, this lesson on infinitives and gerunds was incredibly beneficial for me.

Dean Berdusis

I've always struggled with using infinitives and gerunds correctly as subjects. This article made it much clearer for me.

Winston Wang

The article was a turning point for me in understanding infinitives and gerunds. It's an indispensable resource for language learners.

Dorota Sobczak

The article was a game-changer for my understanding of infinitives and gerunds. I'm truly grateful for the clarity it provided.

Leah

The article delved deep into the topic and provided practical examples. It was an eye-opener for me.

Bobbie Reagan

The article was incredibly helpful in shedding light on the topic of infinitives and gerunds. I highly recommend it to others!

Cheryl Degnan

This article was a lifesaver for me. I've always struggled with this topic, but your explanations were incredibly helpful.

Clayton Wright

The examples in the article made the concepts of infinitives and gerunds as subjects much easier to understand. Thank you for the clarity!

Peter Immediato

This article is a must-read for anyone who wants to master English grammar. Thank you for the invaluable information!

Anup Nellippily

I found the article to be incredibly informative and helpful. It's a valuable resource for English learners.

Diane Inniss

This article was fantastic! I feel much more confident in using infinitives and gerunds correctly now. Thank you!

Lauren Little

The article provided great insight into the use of infinitives and gerunds. I'm very grateful for the knowledge shared.

Stephen Cicala

Thank you for the thorough explanation of infinitives and gerunds. This article was a real eye-opener for me.

Stu Grubbs

This article was fantastic! It's a great resource for understanding when to use infinitives and gerunds. Thank you for the clarity offered.

Patricia Garner

The article's examples made it easy for me to grasp the concept. The explanations were crystal clear and practical. Thank you!

Jared Wolff

I can't thank you enough for this article. It's really improved my understanding of using infinitives and gerunds correctly.

Greg Smith

Thank you for the incredibly detailed explanations in the article. It has truly helped me understand infinitives and gerunds better.

Thomas Allery

Thanks for the informative article. It really helped clarify the difference between infinitives and gerunds!

Bob Knapp

This article provided a much-needed clarity on the use of infinitives and gerunds as subjects. It's a must-read for English learners.

Adam Overend

As a language learner, I found this article to be extremely beneficial. It's a great resource for improving grammar skills.

Gary Austin

This was an insightful read. I feel much more confident in using infinitives and gerunds correctly now.

Jamie Hayslip

The article was an invaluable resource for me in understanding infinitives and gerunds. It truly cleared up any confusion I had.

Denise Bsn

This lesson helped confirm my understanding of infinitives and gerunds. Thank you for the clear explanations.

Ed Everett

This article is a must-read for anyone who wants to grasp the nuances of using infinitives and gerunds. It's truly insightful!

Gary Bellows

The article was a lifesaver for me. It finally made the distinction between infinitives and gerunds as subjects clear. Thank you!

Chase Briwn

The examples in the article really helped me understand when to use infinitives and gerunds. Thank you for this great resource.

Emanuel Carrizo

I'm so glad I came across this article. It was a real game-changer in helping me understand infinitives and gerunds. Thank you!

Roland Kormann

I really struggled with this topic, but your article has been a huge help. Thank you for making it so clear and accessible!

Ronald Mills

The article was incredibly helpful in shedding light on the topic of infinitives and gerunds. I highly recommend it to others!

Philip Dinenno

This article is a game-changer for anyone trying to improve their English grammar. It's filled with valuable insights and practical examples.

Cindy Davidson

The article was a treasure trove of knowledge on using infinitives and gerunds. It's an essential read for anyone learning English.

Julie Monzon

The article was a real eye-opener for me. I now feel much more confident in using infinitives and gerunds correctly. Thank you!

Nick Easlick

Thank you for the incredibly detailed explanations in the article. It has truly helped me understand infinitives and gerunds better.

Keona Bellamy

I can't thank you enough for this article. It's really improved my understanding of using infinitives and gerunds correctly.

Paul Thornton

I was struggling with understanding infinitives and gerunds, but this article has been a tremendous help. Thank you for making it so accessible!

Marko Schneider

I can't express how valuable this article was in helping me understand infinitives and gerunds as subjects. Thank you so much!

Norma Mellott

The article was a game-changer for my understanding of infinitives and gerunds. I'm truly grateful for the thorough explanations provided.

Andy Nelson

This article is a goldmine for anyone looking to master English grammar. The explanations are clear and the examples are practical. Thank you!

Mike Milana

I was puzzled about when to use infinitives and gerunds, but this article cleared up all my doubts. Thank you!

Sean Huff

The examples in the article made the concepts of infinitives and gerunds as subjects much easier to understand. Thank you for the clarity!

Katya Osipova

I'm so glad I came across this article. It was a real game-changer in helping me understand infinitives and gerunds. Thank you!

Null

I was struggling with understanding infinitives and gerunds, but this article was a huge help. Thank you for simplifying it!

More posts