INFINITIVE & GERUND CONSTRUCTIONS

INFINITIVE & GERUND CONSTRUCTIONS

Gerund/Infinitive constructions are constructions with a certain verb which is used in conjunction with another verb which, according to what initial verb is used, takes either a gerund or infinitive form.

For example:

a) I enjoy watching TV (“enjoy” in this case takes the gerund)

b) I decided to study Japanese (“decided” takes the infinitive)

c) Let’s go to the cinema (“let’s” takes the infinitive WITHOUT “to”)

Basically, there are five types of gerund/infinitive constructions:

1) Verbs which only take the gerund (enjoy, be/get used to, look forward to etc.)

2) Verbs which only take the infinitive (want, need, hope, decide, would like etc.)

3) Verbs which take both gerund and infinitive with little or no change in meaning (like, start, begin, prefer etc.)

4) Verbs which take both the gerund and the infinitive but have a radical change in meaning  (remember, stop etc). e.g.        - I stopped smoking two years ago.

 - I stopped to have a cigarette while I was driving.

 - Remember to do your homework for tomorrow.

 - I don’t remember doing my homework last night I was too drunk.)

5) Verbs which take the infinitive WITHOUT “to” (let, would rather etc) e.g.

                                                        - My parents made me study Economics.

- Let’s have dinner out tonight.

- I’d rather not go out tonight.

Verbs which may take either infinitive or gerund

·         advise                                   need                                     hate      

·         agree                                    permit                                 intend

·         allow                                    prefer                                  like

·         begin                                    propose                              love

·         can/could bear                    recommend                        mean

·         cease                                    regret                                 want

·         continue                              remember                          used to

·         forget                                   require                               try

·         stop                                      start                                      

Example :

Ø  If the person concerned is mentioned we use the infinitive:

·         He advised me to apply at once.

·         She recommends housewives to buy the big tins.

·         They don't allow us to park here.

Ø  But if this person is not mentioned, the gerund is used:

·         He advised applying at once.

·         She recommends buying the big tins.

·         They don't allow parking.