Gerunds and Infinitives:  As Object of the Verb

 

We are continuing our unit from our Grammar HELP! Handbook: Gerunds and Infinitive Phrases.

A gerund and infinitive phrase can exist in several positions in a sentence: as the subject of a sentence or as the object of a verb.  In this unit, we will discuss gerunds and infinitive phrases as the object of a sentence, that is, the object of the verb.

Before you begin the activities, we suggest that you read, listen to, and study the podcast and grammar lesson, What Is a Gerund? What Is an Infinitive Phrase? which is also in our Library.

Verb + [either Infinitive Phrase or Gerund]

     I like to do it my way.   I like doing it my way. 
     verb + gerund                 verb + infinitive phrase
like    +   doing                   like    +   to do

Notice that in the above sentence, "to do" and "doing" is the object of the verb.  It answers the question "like what?"  Can you see that the infinitive phrase "to do (it my way)" and the gerund "doing it (my way)" each function as a noun?

For the following common transitive verbs, the object of this verb takes either the form of a gerund or of an infinitive phrase. The writer or speaker can choose whichever form he prefers.

begin to decrease
begin decreasing		 can't stand to do it
can't stand doing it		 continue to do it
continue doing it		 like to do it
like doing it
hate to do it
hate doing it		 prefer to do it
prefer doing it		 start to do it
start doing it		 try to do it
try doing it

Look at the first examples in this lesson, I like doing it my wayand I like to do it my way.

Notice that the verb (to) like is in the list above, so that the object of the verb lilke can be either an infinitive phrase or a gerund.  Remember to put the main verb in the desired verb tense. 


Try It Yourself!

Try these below.  These sentences were taken from the essays of other learners of English such as yourself.  You'll find the answers in the Answer Key.

WHERE'S THE ERROR?

Problem:         Many people don't like go to court.

Solution 1:      Many people  _________  to court.
Solution 2:      Many people __________ to court.:

POWER EDIT:  STOP and START

Let's review the first three patterns.  The head verb in each case is either stop or start.
Write the correct form of the object of the verb in the space provided.

When I moved to the United States, I started (watch) ______________  TV every day.  I would watch TV for five hours a day, sometimes more!  I said to myself, "I'm not going (stop) __________________ (watch) ______________ TV until my English improves!"  But after one month, I started (get) ____________ headaches and my eyes started (tear)  _____________ when I would read.  Then I thought that it would be better to stop (watch)  ______________ and (begin) __________________ (study) ___________________ English in college.  So I
stopped (watch) __________________ TV.  Soon, my headaches went away and my eyes stopped (tear) __________________.  Now I only watch TV when I have time or when I want (watch) ________________ the news.

You will find the answers in our "Answer Key".

Next...

Click here to continue with our series.  Our next lesson is Verb + [Noun or Pronoun} + Infinitive Phrase.

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