FORM * MEANING * FUNCTIONS * RELATION TO NOUN CLAUSES * PRACTICE
Gerunds and infinitives can both be used as subjects, subject complements, and direct objects of verbs. The choice between which to use as a direct object is sometimes dictated by the verb. But the choice of whether to use a gerund or infinitive as a subject, subject complement, or object of other verbs is left to the speaker/writer. This choice can indicate shades of meaning.
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| potential idea/plan/future single/repeated request/instruction/causation |
actual/fact past/end ongoing attitude (no plan) | |
subjunctive/imperative) |
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Choose gerunds or infinitives .. in the appropriate form .. in the following sentences (from various texts we have read this semester), and then check below to see how your choices compare with those made by the original writers.