Gerunds & Infinitives
A gerund is a noun made by adding -ing to a verb. Since it is a noun, it can be used as a subject, object, or as an object of a preposition.- Swimming is fun. - as a subject
- They like swimming. - as an object
- He is afraid of swimming in the ocean. - as an object of a preposition.
The simple form of the verb (without to) is used in dictionaries.
Compare the -ing form as a Gerund (used as a noun) and the present participle form used in the progressive tenses or as an adjective.
I am swimming right now - in a progressive tense
Swimming news is a great magazine - as an adjective.
Infinitives are usually placed after another verb.
He went to deliver the package.
This page is one of PLS's English grammar pages for people who want to learn or improve their English grammar skills.
