INFINITIVES AND GERUNDS
We use infinitives and gerunds in different contexts. Let's learn how to use them.
We use infinitives to express the purpose of our action.
For example, I went to the shop to buy a present.
You can also use the negative form: I use my bike not to pollute the city air.
Purpose infinitive is also used after adjectives:
We are too young to drive.
The film is good enough to be successful.
Some verbs are followed by infinitives, for example: WANT, NEED, PROMISE, HOPE:
I want to participate in the fundraising campaign.
And I promise to help in the organization.
Let's have a look at the use of the gerunds now.
Gerunds are used as the subject of a sentence:
Helping others is a very generous action.
We use the gerund after prepositions:
I went home after having lunch with Emily.
Did you ask her about running in the charity race?
Some verbs and expressions are followed by a gerund, for example: MIND, ENJOY, MISS or CAN'T STAND.
Have a look at these examples:
I don't' mind waiting.
I can't stand watching cartoons.
We miss eating fruit.
Remember: we use infinitives to express purpose and gerunds as the subject of a sentence.