Winning was everything.

[Elitez]

In this sentence: "Winning was everything ". Is winning used as gerund or infinitive?

 

[MikeNewYork]

Gerund. Infinitives don't end in -ing.

 

[Elitez]

Gerund. Infinitives don't end in -ing.

This sentence was given as an example for infinitive in a website.

 

[TheParser]

***** NOT A TEACHER *****

Hello, Elitez:

Kindly remember the appearance of infinitives and gerunds, and then you will not be confused in the future.

I have made up these sentences:

1. To eat ice cream is fun. (infinitive).
2. Eating ice cream is fun. (gerund)

3. I like reading newspapers. (gerund)
4. I like to read newspapers. (infinitive)

Note: Sometimes the "to" of the infinitive is optional after certain verbs (such as "help"): "He helped me (to) do it."

Note: Sometimes the "to" of the infinitive must NOT be used after certain verbs (such as "see"): "I saw him do it."

(Books use the term "bare infinitive" for an infinitive without the word "to.")

 

[Elitez]

Very good explanation. Thank you TheParser.

 

[tedmc]

Elitez, which website link is that?

 

[Elitez]

Elitez, which website link is that?

http://www.grammar-monster.com/glossary/verbals.htm

 

[Matthew Wai]

This sentence was given as an example for infinitive in a website.

■ 'Winning was everything.
(This proves that the infinitive to win is being used a noun.)'── quoted from the site shown in the OP's post#8.

I think 'the infinitive' refers to 'to win' instead of 'Winning', but I am not a teacher.

 

[SoothingDave]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winning_isn't_everything;_it's_the_only_thing

"Winning isn't everything; it's the only thing"

 

[MikeNewYork]

I always thought that was from Vince Lombardi. Evidently not.

 

[SoothingDave]

Yes, me too. It seems he used it, but didn't originate it.