Correcting Verbing Errors in English Sentences: The Difference Between Gerunds and Infinitives

In English, the verb forms used after a main verb can significantly alter the meaning and grammatical correctness of a sentence. This article delves into the distinction between gerunds and infinitives, two important verb forms that often confuse non-native speakers and even some native English speakers. We'll analyze common errors and guidelines to ensure that your sentences are grammatically correct and clear.

Understanding Gerunds and Infinitives

A gerund and an infinitive are essentially different types of verb forms that serve distinct purposes in sentences. A gerund is a noun derived from a verb, formed by adding -ing, while an infinitive is a verb form introduced by the word 'to'.

Gerunds and their Usage

A gerund expresses an action that has already taken place or is considered as an object, subject, or predicate nominative. For example:

Running in the morning is a great way to start the day. Learning a new language can be challenging but rewarding. Reading a good book can transport your mind to another world.

Notice how 'running,' 'learning,' and 'reading' are used as nouns in the sentences above.

Infinitives and their Usage

Infinitives, on the other hand, are used to express actions that are intended, planned, or necessary. They often indicate purpose or reason and are formed with 'to' followed by the base form of the verb. Examples include:

I decided to visit the museum tomorrow. The reason why he is here is to explain the project. We need to start early to avoid traffic.

In these sentences, 'to visit,' 'to explain,' and 'to avoid' are infinitives serving as the true verb forms.

Common Sentence Errors and Corrections

One common mistake in English is the incorrect placement of a verb. For instance:

Example 1: Using Infinitive Incorrectly

Incorrect: “I always enjoy to read books.”

Correction: “I always enjoy reading books.”

Here, the word “enjoy” is the main verb. The second verb, “read,” must be a gerund to match the gerund in the main verb. Therefore, “to read” should be changed to “reading.”

Example 2: Using Gerund Incorrectly

Incorrect: “I apologize to make a mistake.”

Correction: “I apologize for making a mistake.”

Apologizing is a fact that has already happened, so 'to apologize' should be changed to 'for apologizing'. Here, “make” is an infinitive in the context of a fact or completed action, hence 'for making a mistake' is the correct form.

Understanding 'Enjoy'

Consider another pair of sentences to illustrate the point further:

“I love to dance.” “I love dancing.”

“I love to dance” implies an intention to dance in the future or a desire to learn to dance, whereas “I love dancing” suggests an ongoing action or a preference for dance itself. The gerund “dancing” is used to indicate an action that is currently occurring or a habitual theme.

Key Rules for Verb Forms in English Sentences

To ensure grammatical accuracy, follow these key rules when using verb forms in English sentences:

Identify the main verb and the second verb. Ensure that the second verb corresponds to the nature of the action. Use gerunds with main verbs that suggest continuous or habitual actions. Use infinitives with verbs that indicate purpose or intention. Check for consistency in verb forms to avoid contradicting statements.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively use gerunds and infinitives in your sentences, ensuring clarity and grammatical correctness.

Conclusion

Proper usage of gerunds and infinitives is crucial for effective communication in English. Understanding these verb forms and their usage can significantly improve the readability and coherence of your sentences. Whether you're a native speaker or a non-native speaker, mastering the correct form of verbs in English is an essential skill for clear and effective communication.