Date _____________________ Name _________________________________________________

GRAMMAR JOURNAL -- Gerunds and Infinitives:

(before you spend time collecting examples for this assignment, be sure to read the WARNINGS here! -- scroll down)
Collect the following (cut and paste them to this form, or attach clippings or xerox copies to a hardcopy of this form to be handed in). Include enough of the context (at least the sentence before and after) to make the meaning clear. (Document the source. It CANNOT be an English grammar text or handbook!):

  • Two infinitives (One must be a passive, negative, or "perfect" infinitive:
      1. One infinitive that is the object of a verb
      2. One infinitive that is NOT the object of a verb (indicate its function)
  • Two gerunds (One must be a passive, negative, or "perfect" gerund -- extra credit for one with NOUN MODIFIERS):
      1. One gerund that is the object of a verb
      2. One gerund that is NOT the object of a verb (indicate its function)
Paraphrase each sentence to show that you understand the meaning, including the time referred to and what the "subject" of each gerund or infinitive.
Example 1: infinitive: NOT object of a verb:
function: adjective complement (thrilled)

    You'd never guess this was one billionaire talking about others; he's like a kid _thrilled_ to be invited to his first grownup party."
(from ________Time, March 27, 1995________)
passive
PARAPHRASE:
he's thrilled because he's been invited..
(someone invited HIM ..and that thrilled him)
Example 2: gerund: object of a verb:
verb: prefer

    Geffen puts the discussion in bolder relief: "They wanted more than we were willing to give them. We didn't want one group to have too much control. We _prefer_ having three 3,000-ob. gorillas in the room with us to one 9,000-lb. gorilla.""
(from ________Time, March 27, 1995________)
(NOT passive/negative/or "perfect")

PARAPHRASE:
We prefer this: we have 3 gorillas ...
(present)





1. infinitive: object of verb:
PARAPHRASE:

2. infinitive: NOT object of verb:
PARAPHRASE:

3. gerund: object of verb :
PARAPHRASE:

4. gerund: NOT object of verb :
PARAPHRASE:

Ann Salzmann
University of Illinois