Gerunds and infinitives, part 2.
Hello class, welcome to the second video on gerunds and infinitives.
In this video you're going to learn about the tricky ways that gerunds and infinitives are sometimes used in sentences.
We'll look at some examples from the first video and also take a look at some new examples.
So, let's begin.
In the first video you saw lots of examples of gerunds and infinitives and this was the most common form.
A verb plus a gerund.
Let's look at the examples again.
Unfortunately, we must postpone setting up the microphone.
Would you also consider setting the silverware and napkins on the tables?
And would you also mind showing the caterers where the kitchen is?
I love working with you guys.
Notice that in all of these sentences you have a verb plus a gerund.
And remember a gerund is a verb in the ing form but that acts as a noun.
We also saw this form.
A verb plus an infinitive.
I hate to tell you this.
And I know Linda wants to arrange the flowers.
Again, here we see a verb plus the infinitive.
To plus the base form of a verb.
Now let's talk about some of the ways that you can avoid making mistakes.
Starting with number one.
Use the correct verb with the gerund or infinitive.
Take a look at this example.
I dislike to go to the mall alone.
Is it correct to use dislike followed by an infinitive form? No, it should be going, the gerund form.
I dislike going to the mall alone.
How about this sentence: Jerry promised meeting me at 4 pm.
Can a gerund be used with promise?
No it needs to be in infinitive form.
Jerry promised to meet me at 4 pm.
But what about this sentence: The plane began to fly.
This looks correct.
Began followed by the infinitive to fly.
But this also looks correct, The plane began flying.
Began can be followed by a gerund as well.
Now why are these both correct?
Unfortunately there really isn't a simple rule to help you with all of the different verbs.
But here's a chart that you can study.
In the first column are verbs that can be used only with infinitive forms, in the second column verbs that can be used with gerunds, and in the third column, verbs that can be used with both gerunds and infinitives.
Now it can be difficult remembering all of these different verbs, but it will get easier if you practice.
Now let's keep going.
Number two, make sure to use gerunds after prepositions.
Here's the example from previous video.
Linda, you're good at decorating.
At is a preposition and it's followed by a gerund.
Now what do you think of this sentence?
Timmy is happy about win first place.
Well, about should not be followed by win.
Timmy is happy about winning first place is a correct way to form this sentence where a gerund follows a preposition.
Number 3.
Place the infinitive after the verb object combination.
In other words, if there is a verb plus object combination make
sure the infinitive goes after the object, not after the verb.
Here are some examples from the previous video.
But we only have five hours to prepare this room for our event tonight.
Have is a verb plus the object, and to prepare comes after this combination.
Jackson, please tell the band to set up by the dance floor, not on the stage.
Here we also have a verb plus object combination followed by to setup.
Let's look at some more examples.
Our boss told to finish the project by next week.
Do you see a problem in this sentence?
Yes, we have 'to finish' without an object.
Our boss told to finish us the project by next week.
Now, here we have an object, but it's in the wrong place.
This is the correct sentence.
Our boss told us to finish the project by next week.
Here is a verb object combination plus 'to finish' are infinitive form.
Great, the forth thing to remember is to use gerunds and infinitives in subject positions correctly.
So far we've only seen examples of gerunds and infinitives coming after verbs.
But they can also be used as subjects of sentences.
Like here, planning this event would not be possible without you.
Planning is a gerund, and it's the subject of the sentence.
Take a look at this sentence.
Do you think it's correct?
Swimming my favorite form of exercise.
Well, it's actually missing a verb.
Swimming is my favorite form of exercise.
Swimming is a subject.
It needs a verb.
So don't forget to add a verb.
Now let's talk about how infinitives can be subjects in sentences.
Remember this one?
To place the podium center stage would be best.
Here's another example.
To leave now is foolish.
Both of these sentences are correct, but they do sound very formal.
To use a more common form use it as the subject, and move the infinitive to the end of the sentence.
It is foolish to leave now.
This is a much more common form.
Now I'd like for you to try.
Take a look at this sentence again,
to place the podium center stage would be best.
I'd like for you to think of how this could be said in a more common form.
Here we go. It would best to place the podium center stage.
Great job.
Let's move on to number five.
Remember, infinitives can be used to show purpose.
Infinitives can be used to show purpose like "because".
Here's an example from part one.
Hanna, please put all the medals and prizes right behind the speaker to make it easy for him to reach them.
To make is the same as saying because it will make.
Let's take a look at another example.
Jimmy wears a suit because he wants to look professional.
Because he wants to look shows purpose.
Let's try changing this to a infinitive.
Make sure to use look.
Jimmy wears a suit to look professional.
These two sentences are saying the same thing.
To look shows purpose.
The last thing you need to remember Is that adverbs can split infinitives.
With an infinitive like, to hook up, you can add an adverb such as quickly.
To quickly hook up.
This example comes from the past video.
We'll need to quickly hook up the microphone later.
The adverb is added after to.
Let's take a look at another example.
They seem to like each other.
Hm. We can add
an adverb right here between the to and like.
Such as, really.
They seem to really like each other.
It is important to efficiently study for the final.
We had efficiently as the adverb, splitting to study.
We could also say, thoroughly or diligently.
To diligently study.
So that's all I have for you on gerunds and infinitives.
I know it was a lot of information so make make sure to move on to the practice
exercises so that you can really solidify all that you've learned.
Thanks for watching and I'll see you again soon.
