Difference Between Gerund, Infinitive and Participle: Definition, Example, Exercises

Having a basic understanding of the difference between gerund infinitive and participle is essential for mastering English grammar and writing effectively. These verb forms, known as verbals, often confuse due to their shared roots but distinct functions. This guide will clarify the difference between gerund, infinitive and participle, providing clear definitions, examples, and practical applications.

What is Gerund?

A gerund is a verb form ending in “-ing” that functions as a noun. This means it can take the place of a noun in a sentence, acting as a subject, object, or complement.

• Examples:
  • Subject: Swimming is good exercise.
  • Object: I enjoy reading novels.
  • Complement: Her favorite activity is painting.
  • Object of a preposition: She is good at singing.

Gerunds behave like nouns and can be modified by adjectives and adverbs.

Read More: Gerund Phrases, Meaning, Usage, Exercises

What is Infinitive?

An infinitive is the base form of a verb preceded by “to.” It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence.

• Examples:
  • Noun: To learn is my goal.
  • Adjective: I need a book to read.
  • Adverb: He came to help.

Infinitives can express purpose, intention, or possibility.

Also Read: Gerund and Infinitive Exercises to Enhance Your English Skills

What is Participle?

A participle is a verb form that functions as an adjective. There are two main types:

• Present Participles: End in “-ing” and describe ongoing actions or states.
  • Example: The running water sounded refreshing.
• Past Participles: Usually end in “-ed” or “-en” (or have irregular forms) and describe completed actions or states.
  • Example: The broken window needed repair.

Participles modify nouns and pronouns, adding descriptive details.

Quick Read: What are Participles in English Grammar?

Difference Between Gerund, Infinitive and Participle

After you have gone through the basic definition for Gerund, Infinitive and Participle. It is time that you look at the key difference between gerund, infinitive and participle for a better understanding. The table below lists out all the key differences between the three. 

Feature	Gerund	Infinitve	Participle
Definition	Verb form ending in “-ing” that functions as a noun.	“to” + base form of a verb.	Verb form that functions as an adjective.
Function	Noun (Subject, Object, Complement, Object of Preposition)	Noun, Adjective, Adverb	Adjective
Form	Verb + “-ing”	“to” + base verb	Present: Verb + “-ing”Past: Verb + “-ed/-en” (or irregular)
Examples	Swimming is fun. I enjoy reading.	I want to learn. A book to read. He came to help.	The running water. The broken window.
Usage	Subject: Running is healthy. Object: I like baking.  Complement: His hobby is gardening. Object of Preposition: She is good at drawing.	Noun: To travel is exciting. Adjective: I need something to write with. Adverb: He studied to pass the exam.	Present Participle: The barking dog ran away.  Past Participle: The fallen leaves covered the ground.
Key Points	Acts as a noun. It can be modified like a noun.	Can fulfill multiple roles. Expresses purpose, possibility.	Modifies nouns or pronouns. Describes attributes or states.
Common Errors	Confusing with present participles. Using in place of infinitives (or vice versa).	Using without “to” when needed. Using in place of gerunds.	Confusing present and past participles. Using incorrect past participle forms.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Gerund, Infinitive & Participle

Here’s a breakdown of common mistakes to avoid when using gerunds, infinitives, and participles:

1. Confusing Gerunds and Infinitives:

• Mistake: Using a gerund where an infinitive is required, or vice versa.
  • Incorrect: “I enjoy to swim.” (Gerund needed)
  • Correct: “I enjoy swimming.”
  • Incorrect: “He wants swimming.” (Infinitive needed)
  • Correct: “He wants to swim.”
• Explanation:
  • Some verbs are followed by gerunds (e.g., enjoy, avoid, consider), while others are followed by infinitives (e.g., want, agree, decide). Learn these verb patterns.

2. Confusing Gerunds and Present Participles:

• Mistake: Failing to distinguish between “-ing” forms that function as nouns (gerunds) and those that function as adjectives (present participles).
  • Incorrect: “Running is a fast dog.” (Running used as a gerund, but the sentence is nonsensical)
  • Correct: “The running dog is fast.” (Running as a participle, modifying “dog”)
  • Correct: “Running is good exercise.” (Running as a gerund, the subject)
• Explanation:
  • Gerunds act as nouns; present participles act as adjectives. Pay close attention to the word’s role in the sentence.

3. Incorrect Past Participle Forms:

• Mistake: Using incorrect forms of irregular past participles.
  • Incorrect: “The breaked window.”
  • Correct: “The broken window.”
  • Incorrect: “I have goed.”
  • Correct: “I have gone.”
• Explanation:
  • Memorise irregular verb forms. Consult a verb conjugation table when unsure.

4. Misplaced Participles (Dangling and Misplaced Modifiers):

• Mistake: Placing a participle so that it doesn’t clearly modify the intended noun.
  • Dangling Participle (Incorrect): “Running down the stairs, the keys fell from my pocket.” (It sounds like the keys were running.)
  • Correct: “Running down the stairs, I dropped the keys from my pocket.”
  • Misplaced Participle (Incorrect): “He saw a dog walking quickly.” (It’s unclear if he or the dog was walking quickly.)
  • Correct: “He saw a quickly walking dog.” or “He quickly saw a walking dog.”
• Explanation:
  • Ensure the participle is placed close to the noun it modifies. Avoid ambiguity.

5. Incorrect Use of “to” with Infinitives:

• Mistake: Omitting or adding “to” incorrectly with infinitives.
  • Incorrect: “I made him laughed.”
  • Correct: “I made him laugh.” (With some verbs like make and let the to is omitted)
  • Incorrect: “I want that you to go.”
  • Correct: “I want you to go.”
• Explanation:
  • Some verbs (like “make,” “let,” “help”) are followed by the base form of the verb without “to.”

6. Forgetting the Context:

• Mistake: Choosing a verbal form without considering the sentence’s overall meaning.
• Explanation:
  • The context determines the most appropriate verbal form. Always consider the intent of your sentence.

7. Not Practicing Enough:

• Mistake: Assuming you understand the concepts without practicing.
• Explanation:
  • Practice makes perfect. Do exercises, write sentences, and pay attention to how these forms are used in various texts.

Also Read: What is a Verbal Noun? Definition and Examples with Quiz

Difference between Gerund, Infinitive and Participle Exercises with Answers

Once you have gained all the necessary knowledge on the difference between gerund, infinitive and participle, you must test your knowledge. For this, we have compiled these five exercises, which will be helpful for you. You will find answers to all the questions at the end. 

Exercise 1: Identify the Verbal Noun

Instructions: Identify whether the underlined word is a gerund, infinitive, or participle.

1. Swimming is my favorite activity.
2. I want to travel to Japan.
3. The broken vase lay on the floor.
4. He enjoys reading mystery novels.
5. She needs a pen to write with.

Answers:

1. Gerund
2. Infinitive
3. Participle (past)
4. Gerund
5. Infinitive

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks

Instructions: Fill in the blank with the correct form (gerund, infinitive, or participle) of the verb in parentheses.

1. She avoids ___________ (eat) junk food.
2. I have a desire ___________ (learn) Spanish.
3. The ___________ (sing) birds woke me up.
4. ___________ (study) is essential for success.
5. They decided ___________ (visit) the museum.

Answers:

1. Eating
2. To learn
3. Singing
4. Studying
5. To visit

Exercise 3: Sentence Transformation 

Instructions: Rewrite the following sentences using the specified verbal form.

1. “He runs.” (Change to a sentence with a gerund as the subject.)
2. “I need something for writing.” (Change to a sentence with an infinitive.)
3. “The book was torn.” (Change to a sentence with a participle.)

Answers:

1. Running is his exercise.
2. I need something to write with.
3. The torn book lay on the table.

Exercise 4: Error Correction

Instructions: Correct the errors in the following sentences.

1. I enjoy to play tennis.
2. The fall leaves covered the ground.
3. He wants swimming in the lake.
4. She made him to laugh.
5. The breaked window was repaired.

Answers:

1. I enjoy playing tennis.
2. The fallen leaves covered the ground.
3. He wants to swim in the lake.
4. She made him laugh.
5. The broken window was repaired.

Exercise 5: Sentence Correction

Instructions: Create a sentence using:

1. A gerund as the subject.
2. An infinitive as an adjective.
3. A past participle modifying a noun.

Answers (Examples):

1. Reading improves your vocabulary.
2. I need a pen to sign the document.
3. The damaged car was towed away.

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