Gerunds and Infinitives Worksheet
We will learn step by step how to use gerunds and infinitives. With Prepositions, Question Words, Nouns, Adjectives...
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Introduction
We will learn step by step how to use gerunds and infinitives in sentences.
Gerunds are verbs ending in (-ing)
Infinitives are verbs with or without “to” (to + verb)
Gerunds and infinitives are both verbs that function as nouns in a sentence.
Gerunds and Infinitives are verbs that are often used as subjects or objects.
For example:
“Swimming is my favourite hobby." - Verb as a subject Noun.
"I enjoy swimming on the weekends." - Verb as an object Noun.
Gerunds can only be a noun but infinitives can act like a noun, adjective or adverb.
Noun: "To swim in the ocean is my dream."
Adjective: "She has a plan to swim in the lake." ("to swim” describes the noun "plan")
Adverb: "He went to the gym to swim." ("to swim" explains the purpose of "went to the gym")
Prepositions and Gerunds Worksheet
Introduction
In this worksheet, you will practise using gerunds after prepositions. Gerunds are used after prepositions to describe an action or activity. They are verb forms that end in -ing and function as nouns. Understanding when to use a gerund after a preposition is important for clear communication in English.
Instructions
For each sentence, choose the correct gerund form to complete the sentence.
She is good at ____________________ (sing).
The children are excited about ____________________ (go) to the zoo tomorrow.
He apologised for ____________________ (break) the vase.
We are looking forward to ____________________ (see) you at the party.
She is interested in ____________________ (learn) French.
The dog is afraid of ____________________ (be) alone.
They are tired of ____________________ (walk) all day.
I am not good at ____________________ (study) late at night.
A list of prepositions can be found here: https://www.thefreedictionary.com/List-of-prepositions.htm
Explanation
Gerunds are used after prepositions because they function as nouns and describe an action or activity. When a preposition is followed by a verb, it is often followed by a gerund. For example:
She is good at singing. (Preposition: at, Gerund: singing)
They are interested in learning French. (Preposition: in, Gerund: learning)
Using gerunds after prepositions helps to convey the intended meaning and make the sentence grammatically correct.
Question Words and To-Infinitive Worksheet
Introduction
In English, we often use question words to ask questions. These question words are used to gather specific information. After question words, we often use the to-infinitive form of a verb. In this worksheet, we will explore different question words and their usage with the to-infinitive.
Instructions
For each sentence, choose the correct to-infinitive form to complete the sentence.
Can you tell me when ____________________ (start) the meeting?
Do you know where ____________________ (buy) fresh produce?
Could you explain how ____________________ (use) this software?
Have you figured out what ____________________ (cook) for dinner?
Do you understand why ____________________ (prioritise) this task?
Can you show me how ____________________ (tie) a bow?
Do you remember where ____________________ (park) the car?
Have you thought about where ____________________ (go) for vacation?
Do you have any idea where ____________________ (find) affordable housing?
Is there a plan for where ____________________ (hold) the event?
Can you suggest how ____________________ (improve) this process?
Do you know when ____________________ (expect) the delivery?
Have you decided where ____________________ (study) abroad?
Can you describe how ____________________ (assemble) this furniture?
Do you know where ____________________ (get) a good cup of coffee?
Have you thought about where ____________________ (invest) your savings?
Can you explain how ____________________ (solve) this maths problem?
Using the To-Infinitive after Nouns Worksheet
Introduction
The objective of this worksheet is to help students understand and practice using to-infinitives after nouns. Overall using infinitives after nouns adds depth and clarity to our sentences, helping us communicate more effectively. Infinitives can be used to;
Show the purpose or intention behind an action.
"The goal is to win the competition" or "His aim is to become a doctor."
Describe actions or abilities associated with a noun.
"Her ability to sing is impressive" or "The decision to take risks led to success."
Express desires, preferences, or wishes.
"His dream is to travel the world" or "My wish is to make a difference."
Functions to complement the noun, providing extra information or completing it.
"The plan is to start a new business" or "The opportunity to learn is valuable."
Instructions
Read the sentences and choose the correct form of the to-infinitive to complete the sentence.
The decision ____________________ (study) abroad was a life-changing experience.
Her dream is ____________________ (become) a professional dancer.
The opportunity ____________________ (travel) the world is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
My goal is ____________________ (learn) how to play the piano.
The plan ____________________ (start) a business has been in the works for years.
His ambition is ____________________ (become) a successful entrepreneur.
The desire ____________________ (help) others led her to pursue a career in medicine.
The ability ____________________ (speak) multiple languages is a valuable skill.
Their mission is ____________________ (create) a more sustainable future.
The challenge ____________________ (overcome) obstacles is what drives him to succeed.
To-Infinitive Following Adjectives Worksheet
Introduction
In this worksheet, we will explore why adjectives are followed by to-infinitives and why. To-infinitives follow adjectives to indicate the purpose or intention behind an action. They provide additional information about the adjective and clarify the reason or goal.
"She is eager to learn." (The purpose of her eagerness is to learn.)
"He is happy to help." (The intention behind his happiness is to help.)
Instructions
Read the sentences and choose the correct form of the to-infinitive to complete the sentence.
It is important ____________________ (stay) focused during the exam.
She was happy ____________________ (see) her old friends again.
He seems eager ____________________ (learn) new skills.
They were lucky ____________________ (find) a parking spot downtown.
She was excited ____________________ (start) her new job.
It's essential ____________________ (stay) hydrated during hot weather.
He is ready ____________________ (face) any challenge that comes his way.
She felt relieved ____________________ (hear) the good news.
It's important ____________________ (be) patient when learning a new language.
He was reluctant ____________________ (leave) his cozy bed on a cold morning.
It's easy ____________________ (get) lost in this maze-like city.
She was thrilled ____________________ (receive) the scholarship.
It's necessary ______________________________ (double-check) your work for accuracy.
He was determined ____________________ (succeed) despite the obstacles.
It's wonderful ____________________ (see) the sunrise over the mountains.
She was eager ____________________ (explore) the ancient ruins.
It's crucial ____________________ (follow) safety guidelines in the laboratory.
He was fortunate ____________________ (meet) such kind-hearted people.
It's important ____________________ (stay) positive even in difficult times.
Mixed Exercise Worksheet (2 pages)
Introduction
Let’s see how well you have learnt the exercises. Remember:
Subject is a Gerund.
Object is a Gerund.
After Prepositions is a Gerund.
After Adjectives is a to-Infinitive
After Question Words is a to-Infinitive.
After Nouns is a to-Infinitive.
After Verbs it can be a Gerund or an Infinitive depending on the Verb.
Instructions
Use the rules above to answer the questions below with the correct word and one of the underlined options from above:
Example: Do you know where to find the nearest pharmacy? Where is a Question Word.
Have you decided when ____________________ (schedule) the next meeting?
When is a ____________________.
The children were excited ____________________ (visit) the amusement park.
Excited is a ____________________.
She gave him permission ____________________ (leave) early.
Permission is a ____________________.
His desire ____________________ (travel) the world motivated him to work hard.
Desire is a ____________________.
They are passionate about ____________________ (work) towards a sustainable future.
About is a ____________________.
Can you explain how ____________________ (bake) a chocolate cake?
How is a ____________________.
It's important ____________________ (stay) calm during stressful situations.
Important is a ____________________.
____________________ (read) helps improve your vocabulary.
/ is a ____________________.
____________________ (swim) is my favourite form of exercise.
/ is a ____________________.
The decision ____________________ (invest) in stocks was strategic.
Decision is a ____________________.
She insisted on ____________________ (participate) in the marathon despite her injury.
On is a ____________________.
The opportunity ____________________ (study) abroad excited her.
Opportunity is a ____________________.
____________________ (cook) can be a relaxing hobby.
/ is a ____________________.
She was determined ____________________ (pursue) her dream of becoming a doctor.
Determined is a ____________________.
Have you thought about where ____________________ (go) for your next vacation?
Where is a ____________________.
____________________ (sing) requires practice and dedication.
/ is a ____________________.
I'm interested in ____________________ (learn) about different cultures.
In is a ____________________.
His goal ____________________ (run) a marathon pushed him to train regularly.
Goal is a ____________________.
He is dedicated to ____________________ (improve) his skills through constant practice.
To is a ____________________.
____________________ (dance) is a great way to stay active.
/ is a ____________________.
____________________ (write) allows me to express my thoughts and emotions.
/ is a ____________________.
She apologised for ____________________ (interrupt) the meeting with her phone call.
For is a ____________________.
Teacher answers to Mixed exercise
Example: Do you know where to find the nearest pharmacy? Where is a Question Word.
Have you decided when to schedule the next meeting? When is a Question Word.
The children were excited to visit the amusement park. Excited is a Adjective.
She gave him permission to leave early. Permission is a Noun.
His desire to travel the world motivated him to work hard. Desire is a Noun.
They are passionate about working towards a sustainable future. About is a Preposition.
Can you explain how to bake a chocolate cake? How is a Question Word.
It's important to stay calm during stressful situations. Important is a Adjective.
Reading helps improve your vocabulary. / is a Subject.
Swimming is my favourite form of exercise. / is a Subject.
The decision to invest in stocks was strategic. Decision is a Noun.
She insisted on participating in the marathon despite her injury. On is a Preposition.
The opportunity to study abroad is exciting for her. Opportunity is a Noun.
Cooking can be a relaxing hobby. / is a Subject.
She was determined to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor. Determined is a Adjective.
Have you thought about where to go for your next vacation? Where is a Question Word.
Singing requires practice and dedication. / is a Subject.
I'm interested in learning about different cultures. In is a Preposition.
His goal to run a marathon pushed him to train regularly. Goal is a Noun.
He is dedicated to improving his skills through constant practice. To is a Preposition.
Dancing is a great way to stay active. / is a Subject.
Writing allows me to express my thoughts and emotions. / is a Subject.
Who do you expect to attend the meeting tomorrow? Who is a Question Word.
She apologised for interrupting the meeting with her phone call. For is a Preposition.