Page 36 - Grammar Glow - 8
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Infinitives
The verb form that acts as the other part of speech in a sentence is called the infinite verb. An
infinitive is formed with to + the root form of a verb.
For example: to sing, to draw, etc.
An infinitive can be used as:
¾ an object of a verb.
Read the sentence given below.
• John likes to run.
¾ a subject at the beginning of a sentence.
Read the sentence given below.
• To visit Jaipur is my plan this summer.
¾ an adverb modifying a verb.
Read the sentence given below.
• He threatened to kill the hostages.
¾ an adjective modifying a noun.
Read the sentence given below.
• Arun has the talent to compete till the end.
Bare Infinitive
The infinitive that occurs without the word to is called the bare infinitive.
Read the sentences given below.
• I can stand here all day.
Here, stand is a bare infinitive.
Gerund
The -ing (present participle) form of verb that functions as a noun is called the gerund. It names an
activity rather than a person or a thing. Any action verb can be made into a gerund.
¾ It can appear at the beginning of a sentence when used as a subject.
Read the sentence given below.
• Singing is a passion for me.
¾ It can act as an object following a verb.
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