Diagramming Infinitives vs. Gerunds

1. Diagramming Infinitives vs. Gerunds Arielle A. Thompson ENG 300:002

2. What are infinitives? • Infinitives are always “to” + (a verb). • Infinitives are NOT the verb, they can only be forms of the verb. • These forms are nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.

3. What form should I use? • Infinitives take the form of a noun when it is the direct object of the verb. I want to bake a cake. To bake is the object of the verb “want.” • Infinitives take the form of an adjective when it describes the noun. The person to believe is teacher. To believe describes the noun “person.” • Infinitives take the form of an adverb when it modifies the verb. I love to sing. To sing modifies the verb “love.”

4. What are gerunds? • Gerunds are always nouns. • Gerunds always end in –ing. • Gerunds can either be the subject of the verb, the object of the verb, or the object of the preposition.

5. Let’s Practice! • Which sentence has an infinitive? Which sentence has a gerund? • He continued shouting at the students. • Men go to the gym to build muscles.

6. Diagramming Infinitives • The children wanted to go to the park. (To go is the direct object of the verb “wanted” which makes it a noun.) to go park to the children wanted The

7. Let’s Practice • David had to complete a challenging task. • The teacher wanted to teach a new lesson.

8. What’s the difference? • Gerunds are often placed at the beginning of the diagram. Infinitives are often placed at the end of the diagram. Infinitive Gerund Diagramming to sentences go to party the She wanted can be fun

9. Quiz Time!! • Create a sentence using an infinitive and diagram it. • First five students to complete this quiz GETS CANDY!!!! 