Definitions
- Describing an action as a noun. - Referring to an action that is ongoing or continuous. - Talking about an action that is happening at the same time as another action.
- Referring to an action as a verb. - Describing an action that has not yet happened or is not yet completed. - Talking about an action that is possible or potential.
List of Similarities
- 1Both are verb forms.
- 2Both can function as subjects or objects in a sentence.
- 3Both can be used after certain verbs like 'like', 'love', 'hate', 'want', etc.
- 4Both can be used to express purpose or intention.
What is the difference?
- 1Form: Gerunds end in -ing, while infinitives are preceded by 'to'.
- 2Function: Gerunds function as nouns, while infinitives function as verbs.
- 3Usage: Gerunds are used for ongoing or continuous actions, while infinitives are used for actions that have not yet happened or are not yet completed.
- 4Position: Gerunds can come after prepositions, while infinitives cannot.
- 5Verb complement: Gerunds can take an object, while infinitives can be followed by an object.
Remember this!
Gerund and infinitive are both verb forms that can function as subjects or objects in a sentence. However, the difference between gerund and infinitive is their form, function, usage, position, and verb complement. A gerund ends in -ing and functions as a noun, describing an ongoing or continuous action. On the other hand, an infinitive is preceded by 'to' and functions as a verb, describing an action that has not yet happened or is not yet completed.
