INFINITIVES GERUNDS

Gerunds and infinitives are verb forms that can take the place of a noun in a sentence. The following guidelines and lists will help you figure out whether a gerund or infinitive is needed. Following a verb (gerund or infinitive) Both gerunds and infinitives can replace a noun as the object of a verb. Whether you use a gerund or an infinitive depends on the main verb in the sentence. Consult the lists below to find out which form to use following which verbs. I expect to have the report done by Friday.[INFINITIVE]I anticipate having the report done by Friday.[GERUND]

Following a preposition (gerund only) Gerunds can follow a preposition; infinitives cannot. Can you touch your toes without bending your knees? He was fined for driving over the speed limit. She got the money by selling the car. A corkscrew is a tool for taking corks out of bottles. Note: Take care not to confuse the preposition "to" with an infinitive form, or with an auxiliary form such as have to, used to, going to He went back to writing his paper.[PREPOSITION + GERUND]I used to live in Mexico.[AUXILIARY + VERB]I want to go home.[VERB + INFINITIVE]Following an indirect object (infinitive only) Some verbs are followed by a pronoun or noun referring to a person, and then an infinitive. Gerunds cannot be used in this position.