are a part of English grammar that many

English learners find challenging. In this post,

I will help you understand when to use a

gerund or infinitive to describe

the purpose of someone or something.

In English, both gerunds and infinitives can

be used to talk about the reason why we

use or do something.

A hair dryer is for drying hair.

I use a hair dryer to dry my

hair.

A gerund is a verb that acts like a noun. To form a gerund, add –ing to the end of the verb.

Example:

What is a hair dryer for?

A hair dryer is for drying hair.

*the thing being described is the subject of the sentence.

An infinitive is the to + verb form. To

describe the purpose of someone, use

aninfinitive.

Example:

What do you use a hair dryer for?

I use a hair dryer to dry my hair.

› Choose the correct answer:

1. We go _________ every week.To swimm/swimm/swimming

2. Let it _____.

Being/be/to be

3. He dreams of _____ an actor.

Become/to become/becoming

4. They enjoy _________.

Cycle/to cycle/cycling

5. It is not easy ____ good friends.

Find/to find/ finding

6. My friend is afraid of _________.

Fly/to fly/flying

4. Jane is good at _________.

Read/to read/ reading

8. He wanted ___________ a new computer

game.

Bu/to buy/buying

9. I am crazy about _______.

Kiss/to kiss/kissing

10. You must _________ to my party.

Come/to come/ coming