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Infinitive vs gerund.

The phrases "infinitive" and "gerund" are both correct and commonly used in English grammar. They refer to different forms of verbs: infinitives are the base form of a verb (e.g., to run), while gerunds are verbs that function as nouns (e.g., running). They are not directly comparable as they serve different purposes in a sentence.

Last updated: March 17, 2024 • 935 views

Infinitive

This is a correct term in English grammar referring to the base form of a verb, often used with 'to' (e.g., to run).

The infinitive form of a verb is used in various ways in English, such as after certain verbs (e.g., want to go) or to express purpose (e.g., I study to learn).

Examples:

  • to eat
  • to sleep
  • to play
  • to study
  • to read
  • To sneeze, to smash, to cry, to shriek, to jump, to dunk, to read, to eat, to slurp— all of these are infinitives. An infinitive will almost always begin with to followed ...
  • Infinitive is a grammatical term referring to certain verb forms existing in many languages. As with many linguistic concepts, there isn't a single definition ...
  • The infinitive is the base form of a verb. In English, when we talk about the infinitive we are usually referring to the present infinitive, which is the most common.
  • The infinitive of a verb is treated almost exactly like a noun. A Handbook of ... The infinitive mood is like a gentlemans cab, because it has no number. The Comic ...

Alternatives:

  • base form of a verb
  • to-infinitive

gerund.

This is a correct term in English grammar referring to a verb form that functions as a noun, ending in -ing (e.g., swimming).

Gerunds are used as subjects, objects, or complements in a sentence, such as 'Swimming is my favorite activity.'

Examples:

  • swimming
  • reading
  • writing
  • cooking
  • running
  • Every gerund, without exception, ends in ing. Gerunds are not, however, all that easy to identify. The problem is that all present participles also end in ing.
  • A gerund is a noun made from a verb by adding "-ing." The gerund form of the verb "read" is "reading." You can use a gerund as the subject, the complement, ...
  • The gerund (/ˈdʒɛrənd/ or /ˈdʒɛrʌnd/) is a non-finite verb form that can function as a noun in Latin and English grammar. The English gerund ends in - ing (as ...
  • The gerund looks exactly the same as a present participle, but it is useful to understand the difference between the two. The gerund always has the same ...

Alternatives:

  • -ing form of a verb
  • verb form as a noun

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