🎯 Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Distinguish between gerunds and infinitives and their grammatical functions.
- Accurately use gerunds and infinitives after common verbs, expressions, and in complex sentence structures.
- Apply gerunds and infinitives appropriately to improve coherence, variety, and grammatical accuracy in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays.
- Recognise and correct errors involving gerund and infinitive misuse.
🧠 What are Gerunds & Infinitives and how do they work?
🔹 What is a Gerund?
A gerund is the -ing form of a verb that functions as a noun. It can serve as:
- the subject of a sentence
- the object of a verb or preposition
- a complement
✅ Examples:
- Reading academic articles improves critical thinking. (subject)
- Many students struggle with writing under time pressure. (object of preposition)
- His favorite activity is debating controversial topics. (complement)
🔹 What is an Infinitive?
An infinitive is the base form of a verb usually preceded by “to”. It can serve as:
- the subject of a sentence
- the object of certain verbs
- the complement of adjectives
- a purpose clause
✅ Examples:
- To succeed in IELTS requires dedication. (subject)
- Students aim to improve their grammar. (object)
- It is essential to develop a clear position. (complement)
- The goal is to present a balanced argument. (purpose)
⚖️ Gerund vs Infinitive: Which to Use?
There are four key categories:
🔸 1. Verbs Followed Only by Gerunds
These verbs take a gerund directly after them as their object.
Examples:
- admit, avoid, consider, deny, enjoy, finish, mind, suggest, recommend, miss, risk
IELTS Examples:
- Many students avoid writing essays under pressure.
- Experts recommend using data to support your argument.
🔸 2. Verbs Followed Only by Infinitives
These verbs are typically followed by to + verb.
Examples:
- agree, aim, decide, expect, fail, hope, intend, learn, need, plan, promise, refuse, tend, want, would like
IELTS Examples:
- Candidates are expected to justify their viewpoints.
- Many people tend to oppose stricter regulations on social behavior.
🔸 3. Verbs Followed by Either Gerunds or Infinitives (with No Meaning Change)
These verbs can be followed by both forms with little or no change in meaning.
Examples:
- begin, start, continue, like, love, hate, prefer
IELTS Examples:
- Some people prefer working from home.
- Others prefer to work in an office setting.
🔸 4. Verbs Followed by Either Gerunds or Infinitives (with Meaning Change)
These verbs change meaning depending on the form that follows:
| Verb | Gerund Meaning | Infinitive Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| stop | Cease an activity | Stop in order to do something |
| remember | Recall a past event | Not forget to do something |
| forget | Forget a past event | Not remember to do something |
| try | Experiment with a method | Make an effort or attempt |
| regret | Feel sorry about a past action | Feel sorry to inform or deliver bad news |
IELTS Examples:
- I regret saying the exam was easy — many disagreed. (past action)
- We regret to inform you that your results were delayed. (announcement)
🔸 5. Adjective + Infinitive Structures
Infinitives often follow adjectives to express emotion, difficulty, or necessity.
Common examples:
- It is important to understand both sides of an argument.
- Students find it challenging to organize their ideas.
🔸 6. Noun + Infinitive Structures
This pattern improves sentence variety.
✅ Examples:
- One way to address the issue is through education.
- A common mistake is to overlook task achievement.
✏️ Exercise 1: Gerund or Infinitive?
Choose the correct form of the verb in parentheses.
- People tend (be) too reliant on technology.
- I recommend (start) with a clear thesis statement.
- The government plans (implement) stricter laws.
- He stopped (use) his car to help the environment.
- She stopped (drive) because of high fuel prices.
- Remember (include) examples in your main body paragraphs.
- I remember (struggle) with cohesion in my first essays.
Answers
1.People tend to be too reliant on technology.
2. I recommend starting with a clear thesis statement.
3. The government plans to implement stricter laws.
4. He stopped to use his car to help the environment.
5. She stopped driving because of high fuel prices.
6. Remember to include examples in your main body paragraphs.
7. I remember struggling with cohesion in my first essays.
✏️ Exercise 2: Error Correction
Each sentence contains an error. Identify and correct it.
- Most people prefer to travelling by train.
- I suggest to use more specific examples.
- He decided writing the conclusion first.
- It is essential improving lexical resource.
- They avoided to address the main issue.
Answers
1.prefer travelling
2. suggest using
3. decided to write
4. essential to improve
5. avoided addressing
✏️ Exercise 3: Sentence Transformation
Rewrite the following using the word in brackets.
- Students should plan their essays. (important)
- People often forget they must include examples. (remember)
- Some individuals tried working from home. (try)
- She regrets not studying harder. (regret)
- It is necessary that governments reduce emissions. (need)
Answers
1.It is important to plan essays.
2. People must remember to include examples.
3. Some individuals tried working from home.
4. She regrets not studying harder.
5. Governments need to reduce emissions.
✍️ Exercise 4: Controlled IELTS Writing Practice
Write one introduction and one main body paragraph in response to the following Task 2 question:
❓ Some people believe that online education is as effective as traditional classroom-based learning. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
✅ Requirements:
- Use at least 3 gerund or infinitive constructions.
- Show varied sentence structures.
Sample Answer
In recent years, the rise of online education has sparked debate regarding its effectiveness compared to traditional learning. While some argue that digital platforms offer equal benefits, I believe that online education, though convenient, cannot fully replicate the advantages of face-to-face interaction.
One key argument in favour of online education is its flexibility, allowing students to study at their own pace and location. This autonomy supports learners in balancing their academic and personal lives. However, critics suggest that relying solely on virtual platforms may hinder the development of communication skills, which are better fostered through in-person engagement.
