Using Gerunds and Infinitives Correctly

What type of verbal is the underlined word?"Douglass's passion for education was evident in his early years. ​ Risking severe punishments to learn to read and write, he demonstrated his commitment to learning, which fueled his desire for change."​ ​

• Gerund

• Infinitive

• Participle

• Verb

Answer explanation

1. "Risking" is a gerund in this sentence. Here, it acts as the subject of the clause, "Risking severe punishments to learn to read and write." In this context, it emphasizes the action of risking in pursuit of education.

3. "Learning" is also a gerund. It serves as the object of the preposition "to" in the phrase "to learn to read and write." Gerunds are used to indicate actions as nouns, and in this case, "learning" represents the action of acquiring knowledge, making it a gerund.

What type of verbals are the underlined words?

• Gerunds

• Participles

• Infinitives

Answer explanation

"to eradicate" (infinitive): Expresses Douglass's goal as an abolitionist.

"to inspire" (infinitive): Indicates the purpose of Douglass's speeches and lectures.

"to join" (infinitive): Demonstrates what Douglass hoped others would do in the fight against slavery.

What is the best definition of an infinitive?

• A verb phrase with an -ing word

• A verb that ends in -ing and functions as a noun

• A combination of helping verbs and other words

• The word "to" plus a verb

What is the best definition of a gerund?

• A verb phrase with an -ing word

• A verb that ends in -ing and functions as a noun

• A combination of helping verbs and other words

• The word "to" plus a verb

I don’t fancy ______________ (go) out tonight.

• to go 

• go 

• going

What is the gerund in the following sentence?

During the concert, the crowd was said to like my singing.

• during

• to like

• singing

Infinitives have what word in front of it?

• --ing

• --ed

• to

• read

Knitting is her favorite winter hobby.

• Participle

• Gerund

• Infinitive

• None of the above

Jogging is her favorite activity.

• Gerund

• Participle

• Infinitive

People see psychiatrists because they need to talk about their issues.

• infinitive

• gerund

• present participle

• past participle