Gerunds & infinitives: The basics
What is a gerund?
A verb that ends in -ing that acts like a noun?
Many shoppers cannot avoid to buy something if it is on sale.
Incorrect! Avoid is a verb that must be followed by an infinitive.
What are the two types of nouns in English
Count and non-count
A very important research shows that grammar can improve if you study.
Incorrect! You can't use an indefinite article with a noncount noun.
advice
noncount!
What is an infinitive
TO + Base form verb. It acts like a noun
Although internet shopping has many advantages for consumers, not everyone wants to spend a lot of their money at online retailers.
Correct! Want must be followed by an infinitive.
True or false: A noncount noun is a word that has no plural form
True! Noncount nouns typically have one form and take singular verbs. You cannot add an S to noncount nouns.
I got on the subway and took a seat next to a strange lady.
Correct! The first time you mention a noun in writing, use indefinite articles. The next sentence could be, "The subway was smelly and the strange lady said, There's a rat under the seat!"
money
noncount
True or false: We use gerunds as the subjects of sentences. Even though infinitives are also correct, it sounds too formal.
True! Learning to use gerunds as subjects will make your writing sound much more natural. To use an infinitive just sounds odd.
Many people enjoy going to local markets because the shopkeepers know them and they get fresher products.
Correct! Enjoy is one of the verbs that must be followed by a gerund.
True or false: You can use an indefinite article with a noncount noun.
False! You cannot say "I got a knowledge of grammar in Julie's class."
Call a police!
Incorrect! Call the grammar police!
person
Count! (plural is people)
True or false: After a preposition, use an infinitive.
False! Before taking the quiz on Wednesday, review the slides.
Pay with cash is one of the best methods of getting out of debt.
Incorrect: Starting a sentence with a gerund is a great way to improve your writing.
True or false: The can be used with singular, plural, or noncount nouns.
True: The dog and the cats listened to the music.
Some scientist believe that elephant will be extinct in 50 years.
Incorrect! You count nouns must be plural when you are talking about "some" or "all" things in a group.
building
count! (plural is buildings)
True or false: Some verbs must be followed by infinitives, and some verbs must be followed by gerunds.
True, sadly. You just have to memorize them.
Imagine to go to a concert in Central Park this summer!
Incorrect! Imagine must be followed by a gerund.
True or false: no article is needed when you are talking generally about all members of an unspecific group.
True! I love dogs, not I love the dogs or I love a dog.
Every day in United States., hardworking students go to the school.
Incorrect--the United States and no the before school if the purpose is implied (weird rule).
coffee
Technically it is a NONCOUNT noun, but we often say "I'd like a coffee" or "I had 2 coffees this morning."