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Old 19-Aug-2008, 00:01
Rainsberry
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Default Gerund Vs. the infinitive

Is there a rule or are there multiple rules as to when to use these?

ie. When is a gerund used, and when is the infinitive used? When do you useone instead of the other?
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Old 19-Aug-2008, 10:36
whitemoon's Avatar
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Default Re: Gerund Vs. the infinitive

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Originally Posted by Rainsberry View Post
Is there a rule or are there multiple rules as to when to use these?

ie. When is a gerund used, and when is the infinitive used? When do you useone instead of the other?
These verbs are followed by an infinitive:
Can't wait
Manage
Would love
Attempt
Tend
Decide

These verbs are followed by an object+ infinitive:
Inspire
Get

These verbs are followed by a gerund:
Start
Keep
Love
Enjoy
Continue
The next three are general rules that can help you:
1. Adjectives are (usually) followed by an infinitive.
2. Prepositions are followed by a gerund.
3.Verbs that talk about how we feel(love,hate, enjoy etc)are usually followed by a gerund.
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Last edited by whitemoon; 19-Aug-2008 at 10:44.
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