NON-FINITES: usage

 Gerunds and infinitives are types of verbals—verb forms that function as other parts of speech (primarily nouns) rather than as the main action-carrying verb in a sentence. 

1. Gerunds (The V4{ -ing} Form of the verb)

A gerund is the present participle form of a verb (verb + ing) used as a noun. 

Functions:

• As a Subject: Swimming is my favorite exercise.
• As an Object: I enjoy painting in my free time.
• After Prepositions: She is excellent at singing.
• As a Complement: My favorite hobby is gardening.

Common Verbs Followed by Gerunds:

Admit, avoid, consider, deny, enjoy, finish, imagine, keep, mind, postpone, practice, quit, risk, suggest. 

2. Infinitives (The "To" Form of the verb)

An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by "to". 

Functions:

• To Show Purpose: I went to the store to buy milk.
• As an Object: He decided to take a break.
• After Adjectives: It is difficult to understand this lesson.

Bare Infinitive: Used without "to" after modal verbs (can, must) or verbs like "let" and "make" (e.g., "Let him go").

Common Verbs Followed by Infinitives:

Agree, decide, expect, fail, hope, learn, manage, offer, plan, promise, refuse, want, would like. 

3. Key Differences in Usage

Feature              Gerund                                                         Infinitive

Primary Use    Real, general, or completed actions.     Unreal, potential, or future actions.

Prepositions     Always follows a preposition.         Almost never used after a preposition.

Object of Noun     Rarely follows a noun.                 Frequently follows a noun/pronoun.

4. Verbs that Take Both

Some verbs can take either form, which sometimes changes the sentence's meaning. 

No Change in Meaning: Begin, start, continue, like, love, hate.

Example: It started raining / It started to rain.

Change in Meaning:

Stop:

Gerund: I stopped smoking. (Quit the habit entirely).

Infinitive: I stopped to smoke. (Paused another action to have a cigarette).

Remember/Forget:

Gerund: Refers to a past memory (I remember meeting him).

Infinitive: Refers to a duty or task yet to be done (Remember to lock the door).

Try:

Gerund: To experiment (Try adding salt).

Infinitive: To make a physical effort (Try to lift the box). 

Practice Exercise

Choose the correct form (Gerund or Infinitive):

1. She suggested __________ (go) to the park today.
2. I promised __________ (help) my brother with his project.
3. They are interested in __________ (learn) how to code.
4. Don't forget __________ (turn off) the lights before leaving.
5. I really enjoy __________ (read) mystery novels.

Answers: 1. going; 2. to help; 3. learning; 4. to turn off; 5. reading.

CORE CONFUSION  clarity 

Use of  To+V1 and To +Gerund 

The confusion happens because “to” has TWO identities:

1️⃣ to = preposition

2️⃣ to = infinitive marker

Our job is only to identify which one it is.

STEP 1: Look at the word before “to”

A. If the word before “to” is an ADJECTIVE

 then “to” is almost always a PREPOSITION

Examples of adjectives:

• committed
• dedicated
• opposed
• accustomed
• addicted
• ready
• keen

✅ Rule:

Preposition + verb = verb-ing

✔ We are committed to building

✔ She is accustomed to working late

📘 This is why “committed to building” is the safe, correct choice.

B. If the word before “to” is a VERB of decision/intention

 then “to” is part of an INFINITIVE

Examples:

• decide
• plan
• want
• hope
• promise
• agree

✅ Rule:

to + base verb

✔ We decided to build a school

✔ They plan to start soon

STEP 2: Use the NOUN REPLACEMENT TEST (Most powerful trick)

Replace the verb with a noun.

Sentence 1:

committed to building

→ committed to development ✔ sounds correct

Sentence 2:

Committed to build

→ committed to development ❌ structure breaks

 If the noun fits → use verb-ing

STEP 3: Understand WHY “committed to build” exists

Important clarity:

Grammar books say: committed to + noun / gerund

But in government / legal English,

“committed to build” is treated as a fixed promise phrase

Example:

The government is committed to build 5,000 houses.

STEP 4: What should YOU remember for exams?

✨ ONE GOLDEN RULE ✨

After an adjective + “to”, always use verb-ing.

So:

committed to building

dedicated to serving

opposed to changing

STEP 5: One clear comparison (final)

Sentence                                             Why

We are committed to building         “to” = preposition

We plan to build                             “to” = infinitive

We promised to build                         verb of promise

We are dedicated to teaching     adjective + preposition

In English grammar, non-finite verbs are forms that do not function as the main verb of a clause and do not show tense, person, or number. According to Oxford grammar references such as the Oxford Learners' Dictionary and Michael Swan's Practical English Usage, there are three primary non-finite forms: Infinitives, Gerunds, and Participles. 

1. The Infinitive

The infinitive is the base form of a verb, typically preceded by "to" (to-infinitive), though it can appear alone (bare infinitive). 

Key Usage Rules:

As a Noun: Can function as a subject or object.

Example: "To err is human" (Subject).

To Express Purpose: Explains why an action is performed.

Example: "We eat to live".

After Adjectives: Commonly follows adjectives describing feelings or qualities.

Example: "It is difficult to understand this".

Bare Infinitive: Used without "to" after modal verbs (can, should) or verbs of perception (see, hear, let, make).

Example: "I saw him swim". 

2. The Gerund

A gerund is a verb ending in -ing that functions exclusively as a noun. 

Key Usage Rules:

As Subject or Object: Acts as the thing or activity being discussed.

Example: "Swimming is his favorite hobby".

After Prepositions: Must be used after prepositions (in, at, of, with).

Example: "She is fond of singing".

After Specific Verbs: Follows verbs like enjoy, avoid, finish, and suggest.

Example: "I enjoy painting". 

3. The Participle

Participles are verb forms used primarily as adjectives or to form complex verb tenses. 

Present Participle (-ing): Describes an ongoing action or a quality.

Example: "The crying child was comforted".

Past Participle (-ed/-en): Describes a completed state or is used in passive voice.

Example: "The broken vase lay on the floor".

Perfect Participle (Having + Past Participle): Indicates an action completed before another begins.

Example: "Having finished her work, she went home". 

Quick Comparison Table

Form                 Ending/Structure         Primary Function             Example

Infinitive         to + base verb                 Noun, Adj, Adv                 I want to go.

Gerund             verb + -ing                      Noun                                 Walking is good.

Participle        -ing or -ed/-en                 Adjective                           A working man.

GERUND vs PRESENT PARTICIPLE

(More Examples – Clear & Advanced)

1. GERUND — Examples (–ing as a NOUN)

A. Gerund as SUBJECT

1. Reading complex academic texts regularly improves vocabulary and analytical skills.
2. Sleeping for insufficient hours over long periods can negatively affect mental health.
3. Traveling alone in unfamiliar countries requires careful planning and awareness.

👉 In all cases, the –ing form names an activity and acts as the subject.

B. Gerund as OBJECT of a Verb

1. She enjoys teaching students from diverse cultural backgrounds.
2. They avoided discussing sensitive political issues during the meeting.
3. The manager suggested postponing the project until further notice.

👉 The –ing form functions as the object of the verb.

C. Gerund after a PREPOSITION

1. He is interested in learning multiple foreign languages.
2. She apologized for arriving late without prior notice.
3. They succeeded by working collaboratively under pressure.

👉 After a preposition, the –ing form is always a gerund.

D. Gerund as COMPLEMENT

1. Her favourite hobby is painting detailed landscapes.
2. The most effective way to relax is listening to calming music.

👉 The –ing form completes the meaning of the verb.

2. PRESENT PARTICIPLE — Examples (–ing as ADJECTIVE or VERB)

A. Present Participle as ADJECTIVE (Describing a Noun)

1. Real Action / State

1. The crying child refused to stop even after being comforted.
2. The glowing screen distracted the students during the lecture.
3. The sleeping passengers were unaware of the delay announcement.

👉 The –ing form answers: Which one? / What kind?

2. Purpose / Function (Adjectival Use)

1. A reading room is available for students preparing for examinations.
2. The laboratory contains sophisticated measuring instruments.
3. She bought a washing machine with advanced energy-saving features.
4. They installed a swimming pool for community use.

👉 These show purpose, not action → participle, not gerund.

B. Present Participle as Part of a VERB PHRASE

1. The scientists are conducting experiments to test the new hypothesis.
2. The children were playing in the park when it began to rain.
3. She has been preparing for the competitive examination for months.

👉 The –ing form completes the continuous tense.

C. Present Participle CLAUSE (Advanced Use)

1. Time

1. Walking through the forest, they observed rare species of birds.
2. Entering the hall, the audience maintained complete silence.

= While they were walking…

2. Reason / Cause

1. Knowing the risks involved, the company decided to invest cautiously.
2. Being unfamiliar with the rules, he made several mistakes.

= Because he was unfamiliar…

3. Result / Consequence

1. The glass slipped from her hand, breaking into several pieces.
2. He missed the deadline, causing serious delays in the project.

3. PAIRS FOR DIRECT COMPARISON (VERY IMPORTANT)

Pair 1

Smoking causes serious health problems. → Gerund (subject)

Smoking areas are strictly prohibited inside the building. → Participle (adjective)

Pair 2

Swimming regularly improves cardiovascular health. → Gerund

The swimming instructor explained the safety rules clearly. → Participle

Pair 3

Writing long essays requires patience and practice. → Gerund

The writing desk was placed near the window. → Participle

Pair 4

Running excessively can lead to physical exhaustion. → Gerund

The running track was closed for maintenance. → Participle

4. COMMON EXAM-TRAP EXAMPLES (Clarified)

• A waiting room is located on the ground floor.

→ Waiting = participle (purpose), NOT gerund

• He is tired of waiting for long hours.

→ Waiting = gerund (after preposition)

• The waiting passengers complained about the delay.

→ Waiting = participle (describing passengers)

5. FINAL MEMORY RULE (For Students)

If the –ing word acts as a noun → Gerund

If the –ing word modifies a noun or forms a verb → Present participle

GERUND AND PRESENT PARTICIPLE

1. Introduction (Key Concept)

In English grammar, the –ing form of a verb can perform different grammatical functions.

Although the form remains the same, the function changes.

The grammatical function, not the form, determines whether an –ing word is a gerund or a participle.

2. What is a Gerund?

Definition 

A gerund is the –ing form of a verb used as a NOUN.

It names an activity, idea, or action and occupies noun positions in a sentence.

2.1 Functions of a Gerund

A gerund may function as:

• Subject
• Object
• Object of a preposition
• Complement

2.2 Examples with Explanation

(a) Gerund as Subject

• Sleeping for fewer than six hours regularly affects a student’s concentration.

“Sleeping…” = subject of the sentence

Names an activity

✅ Gerund

(b) Gerund as Object

• She enjoys reading historical novels during her free time.

“Reading…” = object of enjoys

✅ Gerund

(c) Gerund after a Preposition

• He is tired of working late hours without proper rest.

“Working…” follows a preposition (of)

✅ Gerund

2.3 Gerund Identification Test 

Replacement Test

If the –ing word can be replaced by “it” or another noun, it is a gerund.

I like sleeping. → I like it. ✔

3. What is a Present Participle?

Definition

A present participle is the –ing form of a verb used as:

• an adjective, or
• part of a verb phrase, or
• the head of a participle clause

4. Uses of the Present Participle

4.1 Participle as an Adjective (Describing a Noun)

Example 1 (Real Action)

• The sleeping baby finally stopped crying after being fed.

“Sleeping” describes the noun baby

Answers: What kind of baby?

✅ Present participle (adjectival)

Example 2 (Purpose / Function)

• The hikers carried a sleeping bag suitable for extreme cold conditions.

The bag does not sleep

“Sleeping” shows intended use (a bag for sleeping)

✅ Present participle used adjectivally (purpose modifier)

4.2 Participle as Part of a Verb Phrase

• The children were sleeping peacefully when the alarm rang.

“Were sleeping” = past continuous tense

✅ Present participle

4.3 Participle Clause (Reduced Adverbial Clause)

Example (Time / Reason / Condition)

• Walking through the crowded market, she carefully protected her belongings.

= While she was walking…

“Walking…” introduces a non-finite clause

✅ Present participle

5. Gerund vs Participle: Direct Comparison

Sentence                                                              Function                        Classification

Sleeping improves memory.                            Subject (noun)                    Gerund

I enjoy sleeping late on holidays.                   Object (noun)                      Gerund

The baby is sleeping.                                         Verb phrase                         Participle

A sleeping baby needs care.                             Adjective                             Participle

A sleeping bag is essential for trekking.        Adjective (purpose)          Participle

6. Why “Sleeping Baby” and “Sleeping Bag” Are NOT Gerunds

Key Rule:

An –ing form that modifies a noun is always a participle, never a gerund.

Sleeping baby → describes baby → participle

Sleeping bag → describes type/purpose of bag → participle

❌ Gerunds cannot modify nouns

7. Common Confusion (Clarified)

Misunderstanding

• “Sleeping bag is a gerund because it names an activity”

Correct Explanation

• It modifies bag → adjective → participle

“Meaning decides gerund or participle”

• Function, not meaning, decides

“Purpose = gerund”

• Purpose before a noun = adjectival participle

8. Rule (To Emphasise) 

If the –ing form acts as a noun → Gerund

If the –ing form modifies a noun or forms a verb → Present participle

9. Conclusion

Gerund = –ing form acting as a noun

Present participle = –ing form acting as an adjective or verb

GERUND vs PRESENT PARTICIPLE

(Advanced Explanation with Lengthy Sentences — Oxford Grammar Approach)

1. Shared Form, Different Grammatical Status

In modern English grammar (Oxford tradition), the –ing form is treated as a non-finite verb form that may function as:

• a noun → Gerund
• an adjective or verb component → Present participle

Although the morphological form is identical, the syntactic role determines the classification.

Form never decides; function always decides.

2. GERUND — DETAILED ANALYSIS

2.1 Grammatical Nature

A gerund is an –ing form that:

• occupies nominal positions in a clause,
• may take determiners, objects, and complements like a verb, but functions externally as a noun.

2.2 Advanced Examples with Explanation

Example 1

• Sleeping for less than six hours every night can seriously affect a student’s concentration during examinations.

Analysis

“Sleeping for less than six hours every night” = subject

The entire phrase names an activity

It can be replaced by this habit

👉 Sleeping = Gerund

Example 2

• The committee strongly opposed allowing inexperienced candidates to manage a project involving international negotiations.

Analysis

“Allowing inexperienced candidates…” = object of opposed

Gerund phrase contains:

object (candidates)

infinitive clause (to manage…)

👉 Allowing = Gerund

Example 3

• He expressed deep regret for speaking so harshly to his colleagues during the meeting, which later caused unnecessary tension in the workplace.

Analysis

“Speaking so harshly…” follows a preposition (for)

Functions as a noun phrase

👉 Speaking = Gerund

3. PRESENT PARTICIPLE — DETAILED ANALYSIS

3.1 Grammatical Nature

A present participle:

• functions as an adjective, or
• forms part of a verb phrase, or introduces a participle clause that conveys time, reason, condition, or accompanying action.

4. PARTICIPLE AS ADJECTIVE (INCLUDING PURPOSE USE)

Example 4 — Real Action

• The sleeping baby, exhausted after several hours of crying, finally rested peacefully in his mother’s arms.

Analysis

“Sleeping” modifies baby

Describes the baby’s current state

Answers Which baby?

👉 Sleeping = Present participle (adjectival)

Example 5 — Purpose / Function

• The travellers packed a lightweight sleeping bag designed to provide warmth in extremely cold mountain conditions.

Analysis

“Sleeping” modifies bag

Indicates intended use, not action

The bag does not sleep

👉 Sleeping = Present participle used adjectivally (purpose modifier)

5. PARTICIPLE IN VERB PHRASES

Example 6

• The children were sleeping soundly when the sudden noise of thunder woke them in the middle of the night.

Analysis

“Were sleeping” = past continuous tense

“Sleeping” forms part of the verb phrase

👉 Sleeping = Present participle

6. PARTICIPLE CLAUSES (ADVANCED)

Example 7 — Time / Circumstance

• Walking through the narrow streets of the old city, the tourists admired the architecture that reflected centuries of cultural influence.

= While the tourists were walking…

👉 Walking = Present participle introducing a participle clause

Example 8 — Cause / Reason

• Knowing that further delay would worsen the situation, the manager decided to take immediate action.

= Because the manager knew…

👉 Knowing = Present participle

7. CRITICAL COMPARISON — LONG SENTENCES

Example 9 (Contrast Pair)

• Sleeping excessively during the day often results in reduced productivity and disturbed sleep patterns at night.

→ “Sleeping excessively…” = subject → Gerund

• Employees sleeping during official working hours may face disciplinary action under company policy.

→ “Sleeping” modifies employees → Participle

8. FINAL SYNTHESIS RULE (ADVANCED LEVEL)

A gerund:

• cannot modify a noun
• cannot express purpose adjectivally
• must stand independently as a noun

So Conclusion is-

• If the –ing form functions within a noun phrase as a modifier, it is a present participle, regardless of whether it expresses action, state, or purpose.
• Only when the –ing form itself occupies a nominal slot in clause structure does it qualify as a gerund.

A gerund can take an object, just like a verb. This is a very important grammar concept.

1. Why a Gerund Can Take an Object

 explanation:

• A gerund is verbal in form and nominal in function.

This means:

• It functions like a noun in the sentence

But it retains verb-like properties, such as:

• taking an object
• being modified by an adverb

2. Basic Examples 

Example 1

• Reading books improves vocabulary.

Reading → gerund (subject)

books → object of reading

✔ Gerund + object

Example 2

• She enjoys teaching students.

teaching → gerund (object of enjoys)

students → object of teaching

✔ Gerund + object

3. Gerund + Object + Adverb (More Advanced)

Example 3

• Teaching students effectively requires patience and dedication.

Teaching → gerund

students → object

effectively → adverb modifying the gerund

✔ This proves the verbal nature of a gerund.

4. Gerund vs Noun (Important Comparison)

Compare:

Gerund (verbal noun)

• Painting landscapes relaxes me.

painting → gerund

landscapes → object

Ordinary noun (NOT a gerund)

• The painting of landscapes was admired.

painting → common noun

of landscapes → prepositional phrase

❌ Ordinary nouns do not take direct objects

5. More Advanced Examples

• Understanding complex theories requires sustained effort.
• Ignoring warning signs can lead to serious consequences.
• Adapting teaching methods helps address diverse learning needs.
• Solving mathematical problems improves logical thinking.

In each case:

The –ing form is a gerund

It takes a direct object

6. Important  Rule 

A gerund can take an object and an adverb because it retains verb-like properties, even though it functions as a noun in the sentence.

7. Final One-Line Answer 

✔ Yes, a gerund can take an object.

It behaves like a verb internally but functions like a noun externally.

A. GERUND EXAMPLES

(–ing form naming an activity; functions as a NOUN)

1. Gerund as SUBJECT

Reading books regularly improves vocabulary and comprehension skills.

Writing long essays requires patience and careful planning.

Learning foreign languages broadens cultural understanding.

Painting landscapes helps artists develop a sense of colour and balance.

Solving mathematical problems sharpens logical thinking.

✔ In all sentences above:

the –ing form names an activity

it acts as the subject

it can be replaced by it

2. Gerund as OBJECT of a Verb

She enjoys reading novels in her free time.

The teacher suggested revising the lesson before the test.

They avoided discussing sensitive issues during the meeting.

He admitted making several mistakes in the report.

She practised speaking English every day.

✔ The –ing form is the object of the verb.

3. Gerund after a PREPOSITION

He is interested in reading historical biographies.

She apologized for arriving late to the class.

They succeeded by working together as a team.

He is tired of repeating the same instructions.

✔ After a preposition → always gerund

4. Gerund + Object (Important Pattern)

Reading newspapers daily keeps people informed.

Teaching students effectively requires dedication.

Understanding complex concepts takes time.

Adapting teaching methods helps diverse learners.

✔ Gerund behaves like a verb internally (takes an object)

✔ But acts like a noun externally

B. PARTICIPLE EXAMPLES

(–ing form describing a noun; functions as an ADJECTIVE)

1. Participle Showing REAL ACTION

The reading child sat quietly in the corner.

The crying baby refused to sleep.

A running train should never be boarded.

The smiling teacher welcomed the students warmly.

The sleeping passengers missed the announcement.

✔ The –ing form describes what the noun is doing.

2. Participle Showing PURPOSE / FUNCTION

She borrowed a reading book from the library.

The school has a well-equipped reading room.

He bought a writing desk for his study.

The hotel provides a swimming pool for guests.

They installed a washing machine in the hostel.

✔ The noun is not performing the action

✔ The –ing word shows purpose or type

3. Contrast Pairs (MOST IMPORTANT FOR CLARITY)

Pair 1

Reading books improves concentration. → Gerund

The reading books were kept on the shelf. → Participle

Pair 2

Writing letters helps improve communication skills. → Gerund

She sat at the writing desk near the window. → Participle

Pair 3

Swimming daily keeps the body fit. → Gerund

The swimming pool was closed for maintenance. → Participle

Pair 4

Teaching children requires patience. → Gerund

The teaching staff attended the workshop. → Participle

C. ONE FINAL MEMORY RULE (VERY POWERFUL)

🔹 If the –ing form names an activity → GERUND

🔹 If the –ing form describes a noun → PARTICIPLE