Ready for a Grammar Adventure? Let's Explore Infinitives & Gerunds!

Hello Super Students!

Have you ever noticed how we talk about actions we like doing, or things we want to do? In English, we use special verb forms to do this, and they have cool names: Gerunds and Infinitives.

Don't worry, the names might sound big, but the ideas are simple and fun! Learning about them will make your sentences sound amazing. Ready to become a grammar superhero? Let's go!


First, A Super Quick Review: What's a Verb?

Remember, a verb is a "doing" word or an "action" word. It's what you do!

Examples:

  • run
  • eat
  • play
  • read

Now, let's see how we can give these verbs special powers!


Meet the Gerunds: The "-ing" Action Words!

So, what is a Gerund?

Imagine a verb putting on an "-ing" costume. When it does that, it's not just an action anymore—it becomes the name of the action. It acts like a noun (a thing or an idea).

Think of it like this:
The verb is swim (the action).
The name of the activity is swimming (the gerund).

A gerund is a verb that ends in -ing and works as a noun.

How to Make a Gerund

It's super easy! Just add -ing to the end of a verb.

  • read + ing = reading
  • play + ing = playing
  • sing + ing = singing

When Do We Use Gerunds?

We often use gerunds after certain verbs that show feelings, likes, or dislikes. Think of them as "feeling verbs"!

Common verbs followed by a gerund:

  • like
  • love
  • enjoy
  • dislike / hate
  • finish
  • keep
Let's See Some Examples!
  • I like reading storybooks. (Here, 'reading' is the name of the activity I like.)
  • My brother enjoys playing football.
  • She finished doing her homework.
  • Please keep trying!
Did you know?

The word "gerund" comes from a Latin word 'gero', which means "to carry on" or "to do". That makes sense, because gerunds are all about doing things!


Key Takeaway:
A gerund is an action's name (verb + ing). Use it after "feeling" verbs like like, enjoy, and finish to talk about an activity.


Meet the Infinitives: The "To-Do" Verbs!

So, what is an Infinitive?

An infinitive is the basic, original form of a verb with the word "to" in front of it. It's like a plan or a goal—it tells us what someone wants to do, needs to do, or plans to do.

The "to" is like a little sign that points to the action!

A full infinitive is to + verb.

How to Make an Infinitive

This is even easier! Just put the word "to" before the basic form of the verb.

  • to + eat = to eat
  • to + go = to go
  • to + learn = to learn

When Do We Use Infinitives?

We often use infinitives after verbs that show a plan, a wish, or a decision. Think of them as "planning verbs"!

Common verbs followed by an infinitive:

  • want
  • need
  • hope
  • plan
  • decide
  • ask
  • try
Let's See Some Examples!
  • I want to eat an apple. (My goal is 'to eat'.)
  • The teacher asked Mary to read the story.
  • We plan to visit the museum next week.
  • He needs to finish his project.

Key Takeaway:
An infinitive shows a purpose or plan (to + verb). Use it after "planning" verbs like want, plan, and ask.


Secret Agents: Bare Infinitives (No "to"!)

What is a Bare Infinitive?

Sometimes, the infinitive is like a secret agent and goes undercover—it doesn't use its "to" tag! This is called a bare infinitive. It's just the basic verb all by itself.

When Do We Use Bare Infinitives?

This special rule applies after a few "bossy" verbs. The two most important ones to remember are:

  • let (meaning to allow or permit someone to do something)
  • make (meaning to force or require someone to do something)
Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Look for the verb let or make.
2. Find the person they are letting or making do something.
3. The very next verb is the BARE infinitive. Do NOT add "to"!

Examples of Bare Infinitives in Action!
  • My dad let me watch a movie. (He allowed me to watch it.)
  • The funny clown made everyone laugh. (He caused them to laugh.)
  • My teacher let me bring my favourite toy to school.
Common Mistake Alert!

It's very tempting to add "to" after 'let' and 'make', but don't do it!

Incorrect: My mum let me to go outside.
Correct: My mum let me go outside.

Incorrect: The coach made us to run fast.
Correct: The coach made us run fast.


Key Takeaway:
After the special verbs let and make, the next verb is bare. That means NO "to"!


You've Mastered It! Let's Recap!

Wow, you've learned so much! It might seem tricky at first, but with a little practice, you'll be using gerunds and infinitives like a pro. Just remember the main jobs they do!

Quick Review Box

  • Use a Gerund (verb + ing) to name an activity, especially after "feeling" verbs like like, enjoy, finish.
    Example: I enjoy playing chess.

  • Use an Infinitive (to + verb) to show a purpose or plan, especially after "planning" verbs like want, plan, ask.
    Example: I want to play chess.

  • Use a Bare Infinitive (just the verb) after the special verbs let and make.
    Example: Dad let me play chess.

Great job, everyone! Keep practicing and listening to how people use these words in stories and conversations. You'll see them everywhere!