Gerunds and Infinitives Not an easy choice! Before we start on this subject n What are the six forms of the English verb? n Base Past Infinitive ‘s’ form Present Perfect (or ‘ing’ form) Past Perfect n n n n n Gerunds and Infinitives are Verbals n n Verbals have some of the characteristics of verbs. Participle phrases, Gerunds and Infinitives are all verbals. n n Verbs vary as to person and number. Verbals do not vary as to person and number. What is a participle phrase? n n n Participle phrases are verbal adjectives. They are (Surprise!) made from the Present and Past Participle forms of the verb. Present Particple Verbs alsways end in ‘ing’. Examples of Present Participle Phrases n n n Active voice Knowing him well, we asked for a ride. Having elected him mayor, his friends felt they should be rewarded. n n n Passive voice Mr. Portly, being known as a wealthy man, can easily borrow money. Which is a present perfect participle? Examples of Past Participle Phrases n There is only a passive form. n Somewhat embarrassed by this remark, Norris smiled and made an awkward bow. Gerunds n n n The Gerund is a verbal noun. It is made from the ‘ing’ form of the verb. The perfect forms use havING plus the past participle. n n n Active Examples: Seeing is believing. Having read the book is enough; I don’t need to see the movie. Gerunds can be in the Passive voice also. n n Examples: Doctors often have the experience of being called in the middle of the night. n His having been fined twice, has caused him to drive more slowly. Verbs that are always followed by a gerund n n n n This information is on Page 180 of ‘Technically Speaking’ Admit, anticipate, appreciate, avoid, consider Delay, deny, detest, dislike, dread Enjoy, finish, involve n Mind, miss, postpone, regret, resent, resist, risk Fancy (imagine) Keep (continue) Remember (recall) n Stop (cease) n n n Expressions that are always followed by a gerund n n n n n n Look forward to Can’t help Can’t stand It’s no use It’s worth To be used to Spelling rules for gerunds and participles n n Rule 1: If a verb ends with a consonant + single vowel + consonant combination, double the final consonant before adding ‘ing’. Example: stopping Spelling rules for gerunds and participles n n Rule 2: If a verb ends with a consonant + double vowel + consonant combination, do NOT double the final consonant before adding ‘ing’. Example: lean > leaning Spelling rules for gerunds and participles n n Rule 3: If a one-syllable verb ends with double consonants, do NOT double the final consonant before adding ‘ing’. Example: risk > risking Spelling rules for gerunds and participles n n Rule 4: If a verb ends with the letter ‘e’, drop it before adding ‘ing’. Example: write > writing Spelling rules for gerunds and participles n n Rule 5: If a two-syllable verb end with a stressed syllable, double the final consonant before adding ‘ing’. Example: begin > beginning Spelling rules for gerunds and participles n n Rule 6: If a two-syllable verb begins with a stressed syllable, do not double the final consonant before adding ‘ing’. Example: gather > gathering Spelling rules for gerunds and participles n n Rule 7: If a verb ends with ‘y’, simply add ‘ing’ to the verb. Example: fly > flying Infinitives are verbals too! n n n The infinitive is a verbal which can function as a noun, an adjective or an adverb. The infinitive starts with the word ‘to’. Usage frequently defines whether to use a gerund or an infinitive. Use the chart on Page 180 as a guide. Examples of infinitives n n n n Active forms To err is human. He is thought to have left the country. What are the functions of each of these infinitives? n n n Passive forms To be forgiven may be divine. Her voice is said to have been praised in all the capitals of Europe. A short word on count and non-count nouns n n There are a number of nouns in English that do not take an ‘s’ because they are considered non-countable. Some of these words can take an ‘s’ in French. Common non-count nouns n n n n n n n Furniture Research Information Work Homework Advice Rice n Can you name any others? Modifying count and non-count nouns n n n n n n Count nouns Many + plural More + plural Few + plural Some, a lot of – The noun is plural Note: count nouns are never modified by ‘less’ n n n n n Non-count nouns More + singular Less + singular Some, a lot of – The noun stays singular Note: non-count nouns are never modified by ‘many’ or ‘few’ On-line Exercise Please do the on-line exercise linked to this information!