GRAMMAR UNIT 7

LESSON 1: Gerunds and infinitives as direct objects
Gerunds and infinitive come from verb forms but function as nouns.
A gerund or an infinitive can be a direct object of a verb.

Gerund = an -ing form of a verb. She enjoys painting
Infinitive = to + a base form. He wants to paint the kitchen yellow.

Use a gerunds after the following verbs: avoid, discuss, dislike, don't mind, enjoy, feel like, practice, quit, suggest.

Use an infinitive after the following verbs: agree, be sure, choose,decide, expect, hope, learn, need, plan, seem, want, wish, would like.

Other verbs can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive: begin, can't stand, continue, hate, like, love, prefer, start.

LESSON 2: Gerunds as objects of prepositions.
A gerund (-ing form of a verb) can function as an object of a preposition.
  
               preposition     object


I'm afraid          of          flying.
She's bored      with      cooking.
She objects       to        discussing her feelings.

Be careful! Don't use an infinitive as the object of a preposition.
Don't say: les't go to a movie intead of to watch TV.