Infinitive and -ing form (Gerund )

What is the infinitive?

The infinitive of a verb is its basic form with or without the particle to:

Examples:

·         'do' or 'to do'

·         'be' or 'to be'

The infinitive without to is called bare infinitive ('do', 'be')

The infinitive with to is called full infinitive ('to do', 'to be')

 

The -ing form

A verb ending in -ing is either a present participle or a gerund. These two forms look identical. The difference is in their function.

What is the Gerund?

-ing form used as a noun

Form

infinitive + -ing

Examples

Gerund as Subject:

Going to parties is fun.

Gerund as Object:

I enjoy reading.

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