Learn English Grammar – Infinitive vs. Gerund as a Subject

Jan 19, 2018
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.
Nov 8, 2023
Don Able
Infinitives and gerunds as subjects have always been confusing for me, but this article made it much clearer. Thank you!
Aug 17, 2023
Inc Economics
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Jul 31, 2023
Stephanie Garey
The article was a turning point for me in understanding infinitives and gerunds. It's an indispensable resource for language learners.
May 30, 2023
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.
Apr 27, 2023
Admin David
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Apr 26, 2023
Penny Vaskess
The comparisons in the article made it easy for me to distinguish between using infinitives and gerunds as subjects. Very helpful!
Apr 26, 2023
Lisanne Jordan
The article is an absolute gem for anyone learning English grammar. Thanks for the valuable insights and practical explanations.
Mar 3, 2023
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.
Mar 1, 2023
Martin Giles
I can't thank you enough for this article. It's a game-changer for anyone looking to improve their English grammar.
Feb 28, 2023
Ken Flecknell
Thanks for this comprehensive guide on infinitives and gerunds as subjects. It was incredibly helpful for my English grammar study.
Feb 19, 2023
Jj Giraldi
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I really struggled with this topic, but your article has been an enormous help. Thank you for making it so clear and accessible!
Feb 7, 2023
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This article is a game-changer for anyone struggling with English grammar. It makes the usage of infinitives and gerunds so much clearer.
Feb 5, 2023
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!
Jan 27, 2023
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Jan 24, 2023
Deepak Khot
Thank you for the crystal-clear explanations in the article. It really helped me grasp the concept of infinitives and gerunds.
Jan 13, 2023
Susan Clark
The article was a game-changer for my understanding of infinitives and gerunds. Thank you for simplifying this concept for me!
Jan 7, 2023
Thomas Pruyne
The article was a treasure trove of knowledge on using infinitives and gerunds. It's an essential read for anyone learning English.
Nov 29, 2022
Wayne Jager
This article is a goldmine for anyone trying to master English grammar. It's clear, concise, and incredibly helpful. Thank you!
Nov 2, 2022
,
The article was a real eye-opener for me. It finally made the distinction between infinitives and gerunds clear. Thank you!
Sep 27, 2022
Viren Balar
The article is a goldmine for English learners. I was finally able to understand the nuances between infinitives and gerunds.
Sep 10, 2022
Nicole
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Aug 10, 2022
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Lloyd Davis
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Jul 22, 2022
STEVE RESCO
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May 16, 2022
Other
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May 12, 2022
Mace Stuart
This article is a game-changer for anyone striving to improve their English grammar. The insights and practical examples are invaluable.
May 1, 2022
Unknown
Thanks for a comprehensive guide on infinitives and gerunds as subjects. This article was incredibly helpful!
Apr 7, 2022
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Mar 8, 2022
Brannon Lacey
The article was a game-changer for me. I now feel much more confident in using infinitives and gerunds correctly.
Mar 3, 2022
Keith Dillon
The article is an absolute gem for anyone learning English grammar. Thanks for the valuable insights and practical explanations.
Mar 2, 2022
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Jan 21, 2022
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This article was a lifesaver for me. I've always struggled with this topic, but your explanations were incredibly helpful.
Jan 17, 2022
Pratibha Dubey
The article was a real eye-opener for me. It finally made the distinction between infinitives and gerunds clear. Thank you!
Jan 15, 2022
Michael Schoenfeld
This article made understanding infinitives and gerunds as subjects a breeze! Thank you for the clear explanations.
Dec 25, 2021
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.
Dec 2, 2021
Unknown
Great explanation! Now I understand when to use infinitives and when to use gerunds as subjects.
Oct 26, 2021
Damien Dash
The article provided a clear understanding of the differences between infinitives and gerunds. Thank you for this valuable lesson.
Oct 22, 2021
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I struggled with this topic for so long, but this article finally made it click for me. Thank you for simplifying it!
Oct 21, 2021
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!
Oct 11, 2021
Karen Brown
This article is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the nuances of infinitives and gerunds. It's truly insightful!
Oct 6, 2021
Jose Pierre
The article was a game-changer for my understanding of infinitives and gerunds. Thank you for simplifying this concept for me!
Aug 17, 2021
Add Email
The article was a lifesaver for me. It finally made the distinction between infinitives and gerunds as subjects clear. Thank you!
Aug 10, 2021
Nicole Deep
This article is a goldmine for anyone trying to master English grammar. It's clear, concise, and incredibly helpful. Thank you!
Jul 17, 2021
Luca Marino
I never knew the difference between infinitives and gerunds as subjects until reading this article. Thank you for the insight!
Jul 2, 2021
Leping Li
I can't express how valuable this article was in helping me understand infinitives and gerunds as subjects. Thank you so much!
Jun 13, 2021
Vickie Gillespie
The usage of emojis in the examples made the article more engaging and fun to read! Thank you for that.
Jun 3, 2021
Mollie Monahan
I found the article to be an excellent resource for understanding infinitives and gerunds. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Apr 29, 2021
Michael Degale
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Apr 13, 2021
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.
Dec 26, 2020
Dean Berdusis
I've always struggled with using infinitives and gerunds correctly as subjects. This article made it much clearer for me.
Dec 14, 2020
Winston Wang
The article was a turning point for me in understanding infinitives and gerunds. It's an indispensable resource for language learners.
Nov 13, 2020
Dorota Sobczak
The article was a game-changer for my understanding of infinitives and gerunds. I'm truly grateful for the clarity it provided.
Nov 8, 2020
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Oct 3, 2020
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Aug 21, 2020
Cheryl Degnan
This article was a lifesaver for me. I've always struggled with this topic, but your explanations were incredibly helpful.
Jul 21, 2020
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!
Jul 17, 2020
Peter Immediato
This article is a must-read for anyone who wants to master English grammar. Thank you for the invaluable information!
Jun 4, 2020
Anup Nellippily
I found the article to be incredibly informative and helpful. It's a valuable resource for English learners.
May 31, 2020
Diane Inniss
This article was fantastic! I feel much more confident in using infinitives and gerunds correctly now. Thank you!
Mar 9, 2020
Lauren Little
The article provided great insight into the use of infinitives and gerunds. I'm very grateful for the knowledge shared.
Feb 29, 2020
Stephen Cicala
Thank you for the thorough explanation of infinitives and gerunds. This article was a real eye-opener for me.
Jan 28, 2020
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.
Jan 10, 2020
Patricia Garner
The article's examples made it easy for me to grasp the concept. The explanations were crystal clear and practical. Thank you!
Nov 16, 2019
Jared Wolff
I can't thank you enough for this article. It's really improved my understanding of using infinitives and gerunds correctly.
Oct 24, 2019
Greg Smith
Thank you for the incredibly detailed explanations in the article. It has truly helped me understand infinitives and gerunds better.
Sep 21, 2019
Thomas Allery
Thanks for the informative article. It really helped clarify the difference between infinitives and gerunds!
Sep 13, 2019
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.
Aug 27, 2019
Adam Overend
As a language learner, I found this article to be extremely beneficial. It's a great resource for improving grammar skills.
Jul 6, 2019
Gary Austin
This was an insightful read. I feel much more confident in using infinitives and gerunds correctly now.
Jul 3, 2019
Jamie Hayslip
The article was an invaluable resource for me in understanding infinitives and gerunds. It truly cleared up any confusion I had.
May 10, 2019
Denise Bsn
This lesson helped confirm my understanding of infinitives and gerunds. Thank you for the clear explanations.
May 7, 2019
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!
May 4, 2019
Gary Bellows
The article was a lifesaver for me. It finally made the distinction between infinitives and gerunds as subjects clear. Thank you!
Jan 28, 2019
Chase Briwn
The examples in the article really helped me understand when to use infinitives and gerunds. Thank you for this great resource.
Jan 6, 2019
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!
Dec 14, 2018
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!
Nov 23, 2018
Ronald Mills
The article was incredibly helpful in shedding light on the topic of infinitives and gerunds. I highly recommend it to others!
Nov 5, 2018
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.
Oct 27, 2018
Cindy Davidson
The article was a treasure trove of knowledge on using infinitives and gerunds. It's an essential read for anyone learning English.
Oct 7, 2018
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!
Aug 22, 2018
Nick Easlick
Thank you for the incredibly detailed explanations in the article. It has truly helped me understand infinitives and gerunds better.
Aug 1, 2018
Keona Bellamy
I can't thank you enough for this article. It's really improved my understanding of using infinitives and gerunds correctly.
Jul 9, 2018
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!
Jul 7, 2018
Marko Schneider
I can't express how valuable this article was in helping me understand infinitives and gerunds as subjects. Thank you so much!
Jun 1, 2018
Norma Mellott
The article was a game-changer for my understanding of infinitives and gerunds. I'm truly grateful for the thorough explanations provided.
May 23, 2018
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!
May 11, 2018
Mike Milana
I was puzzled about when to use infinitives and gerunds, but this article cleared up all my doubts. Thank you!
Apr 25, 2018
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!
Apr 14, 2018
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!
Apr 4, 2018
Null
I was struggling with understanding infinitives and gerunds, but this article was a huge help. Thank you for simplifying it!
Feb 26, 2018
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