STEP 1: What is a Verb?
A verb is a word that shows action.
🔹 Examples:
run, eat, read, swim, play
STEP 2: What is a Gerund?
A gerund is:
👉 Verb + ing
👉 but it works like a noun
🔹 Example:
Swimming is good exercise.
Here, swimming is a verb form but it is the name of an activity (noun).
STEP 3: When do we use a Gerund?
Rule 1: Gerund as a Subject
When the verb comes at the start of a sentence, use gerund.
Reading makes us smart.
Playing is fun.
Rule 2: Gerund after a Preposition
After words like in, on, at, for, by, about, of, we use gerund.
He is good at drawing.
She is interested in learning English.
Thank you for helping me.
Rule 3: Gerund after Certain Verbs
Some verbs are followed by verb + ing.
enjoy → I enjoy reading.
like → I like singing.
love → She loves cooking.
hate → He hates waiting.
stop → Stop talking.
STEP 4: What is an Infinitive?
An infinitive is:
👉 to + base form of verb
🔹 Example:
I want to learn English.
STEP 5: When do we use an Infinitive?
Rule 1: To show purpose (Why?)
When we answer why, we use infinitive.
I study to pass the exam.
She went to the market to buy fruits.
Rule 2: Infinitive after Certain Verbs
Some verbs are followed by to + verb.
want → I want to go home.
decide → He decided to study.
plan → We plan to travel.
hope → She hopes to win.
need → I need to sleep.
Rule 3: Infinitive after Adjectives
After adjectives like happy, sad, easy, hard, use infinitive.
I am happy to see you.
It is easy to learn English.
STEP 6: Verbs that use BOTH (Gerund & Infinitive)
Some verbs can use both forms.
I like reading.
I like to read.
(Both are correct.)
Other examples:
love
start
begin
STEP 7: Easy Memory Rule
🟢 After Preposition → Gerund
good at playing
🟢 Purpose / Wish → Infinitive
want to learn
STEP 8: Practice
Fill in the blanks:
______ (Read) is my hobby.
I want ______ (become) a teacher.
She is good at ______ (dance).
Answers:
Reading
to become
dancing