Interactive Lesson on Gerunds (V-ing) and Infinitives (To + V)
Gerunds and Infinitives are verb forms that act as nouns or modify other verbs. The choice often depends on the verb that comes before it.
Use a Gerund after certain verbs like: **enjoy, finish, mind, suggest, avoid, quit, practice, imagine, consider, risk**.
Example: They enjoy hiding the treasure.
Use an Infinitive after certain verbs like: **want, need, decide, hope, plan, promise, agree, refuse, afford**. Infinitives also show purpose.
Example: They decided to meet at midnight. (Purpose: We opened the safe to find the map.)
Some verbs change meaning depending on whether they take a gerund or an infinitive like **stop, remember, forget, try**.
Compare: I stopped to check the lock (I paused in order to check it) VS I stopped checking the lock (I finished the action).
Dr. Elara had given up expecting the helicopter. She had agreed to stay until the research was finished. The ice was starting to crack, a terrifying sound. She remembered seeing a fissure in the same spot last year. She kept walking toward the supply cache.
Her assistant, Finn, attempted to send a distress signal, but the battery died. He considered huddling in a snowdrift to conserve energy. He tried to light a flare, but the wind was too strong. He could not afford resting now. He must continue pushing forward.
They decided to find the hidden cave for shelter, instead of waiting exposed. Finn avoided looking at the empty horizon, trying to ignore the biting cold. They planned to use the portable radar to track the storm. They refused to admit defeat, knowing their mission was too important to fail. Elara hoped to reach safety soon.
ELARA:
Finn, I **miss seeing** the sun. Do you **mind checking** the sled's rope?
FINN:
No, I don't **mind checking** it. I **need to secure** this equipment better before the wind picks up.
ELARA:
We must **avoid falling** into one of those crevasses. I **suggest tying** ourselves together.
FINN:
Good idea. I **finished packing** the tent poles. The temperature is beginning **to drop** rapidly.
ELARA:
I **regret leaving** the emergency beacon at the base. It was a careless mistake.
FINN:
Don't **worry about** it now. We must **try to survive** the night. I **decided to ration** the remaining fuel.
ELARA:
I **promise to file** a full report later. For now, let's **practice staying** calm.
FINN:
Understood. I **hope to see** the morning light. I **imagine drinking** hot cocoa already.
ELARA:
I **want to believe** that rescue is nearby. I can't **bear thinking** of the alternatives.
FINN:
We **can't afford to stop** moving. The movement helps us **to stay** warm. I **admit needing** a rest though.
ELARA:
We'll **stop to rest** when we **finish building** the snow wall. Remember **to cover** your face against the frostbite.
FINN:
I **refuse to quit** this close to the objective. We **intended to collect** the final samples today.
ELARA:
Keep **climbing** that ridge, Finn. I **look forward to seeing** the coastline again.
FINN:
I'm **going to try** again now. I can hear the ice **groaning** nearby.
Identify whether the highlighted verb form is a Gerund (V-ing) or an Infinitive (To + V).
Choose the correct Gerund or Infinitive form to complete the sentences based on the preceding verb.
Use the words from the bank to complete the sentences. Click a word to place it in the next available blank. Click on a filled blank to return the word to the bank.
Practice using gerunds and infinitives in your own sentences. Write a minimum of three sentences for each prompt.
Use verbs that take Infinitives (e.g., plan to, prepare to, hope to).
Use verbs that take Gerunds (e.g., enjoy, imagine, avoid, finish).
Write about a problem you stopped doing or regretted doing. Use verbs followed by Gerunds and Infinitives.
Write about the positive end of the expedition. Use verbs followed by Infinitives (e.g., manage to, intend to, promise to).