🔥 EXPLAINED! When to use the Infinitive and Gerund After Verbs

Summary

This video explains the difference between using gerunds and infinitives in English verbs, addressing common confusions among learners. It emphasizes the importance of learning verbs in context, as the choice between gerund (-ing form) and infinitive (to + verb) often depends on the verb itself. The video highlights guidelines for when to use each form, including gerunds after expressions of preference and infinitives after adjectives and for indicating purpose. Additionally, it provides examples and practical tips to help learners understand and remember which verbs pair with which forms, encouraging further exploration through downloadable resources.

Takeaways

• 😀 Understanding when to use infinitives (to + verb) versus gerunds (-ing form) is essential in English grammar.
• 😕 There's no strict rule for which verbs are followed by infinitives and which are followed by gerunds; context is key.
• 📚 It's important to learn new verbs in context to grasp their correct usage.
• ⚠️ Common situations for using gerunds include after prepositions and when replacing subjects or objects in sentences.
• 👍 Verbs expressing likes or dislikes, such as 'enjoy,' 'love,' and 'hate,' are typically followed by gerunds.
• 🔁 Certain verbs like 'start,' 'finish,' 'suggest,' and 'recommend' also take gerunds.
• 💡 The infinitive is often used after adjectives and comparatives, in the structure 'it's + adjective + to verb.'
• 🎯 Infinitives are also used to express purpose, answering the question of 'why' something is done.
• 🤝 Verbs related to decision-making, such as 'decide,' 'ask,' and 'hope,' are typically followed by infinitives.
• 📥 Downloading a comprehensive worksheet of verbs that take infinitives or gerunds can be a helpful resource for learners.

Q & A

What is the main issue students face regarding infinitives and gerunds?

Students often struggle to know whether to use the infinitive (like 'to go') or the gerund (like 'going') after certain verbs, as there are no strict rules.

What are the two common structures where gerunds are used?

Gerunds are commonly used after prepositions and when replacing the subject or object of a verb, functioning as a noun.

Can you give examples of verbs followed by gerunds that express likes?

Examples include 'enjoy' (I enjoy playing the ukulele), 'love' (I love going on holiday), and 'prefer' (I prefer watching football to playing football).

What are some examples of verbs that indicate dislikes and are followed by gerunds?

Examples include 'hate' (I hate people smoking near me), 'detest' (Some people detest going to the dentist), and 'dread' (Some people dread turning 40).

Which verbs are mentioned as being followed by gerunds in pairs?

The verbs 'start' and 'finish' are mentioned, as in 'I started driving when I was 17' and 'I finished reading the book last week.'

What is a common mistake associated with the verb 'to be worth'?

'To be worth' is followed by a gerund, as in 'It was worth spending a little bit more money for the premium service.'

When do we typically use the infinitive after verbs?

Infinitives are often used after adjectives or comparatives and to express purpose, such as 'I went to Spain to learn Spanish.'

What are some verbs that are associated with decision-making and followed by the infinitive?

Verbs like 'decide,' 'offer,' 'ask,' and 'agree' are commonly used in decision-making contexts and are followed by the infinitive.

What is unique about the verb 'help' regarding infinitives?

The verb 'help' can be followed by an infinitive both with and without 'to,' such as 'Can you help me move this heavy box?' or 'Can you help me to move this heavy box?'

What is the suggested method for learning verbs in context?

It is recommended to learn new verbs in context to understand their correct usage, and to identify patterns among similar verbs.