B1 · 중급 챕터 4

Introduction to Gerunds and Infinitives

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58 예문
5 분
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Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the art of choosing between -ing forms and infinitives to speak with confidence.

  • Identify when to use Gerunds as subjects.
  • Distinguish between verbs followed by Gerunds and Infinitives.
  • Apply polite structures like 'would like to' in social settings.
Unlock the flow: Gerunds and Infinitives made simple.

배울 내용

Ready to make your English sound smoother? This chapter will help you confidently choose between saying

I enjoy *to read*
and I enjoy *reading*, and master polite requests like "I'd like *to go*." Soon, you'll communicate your ideas with much greater naturalness!

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: confidently use -ing subjects and infinitive verb patterns in daily conversation.

챕터 가이드

Overview

Learning when to use a gerund (the -ing form of a verb used as a noun) or an infinitive (the 'to + verb' form) is a key step towards sounding more natural and confident in English. This introduction to gerunds and infinitives is perfect for B1 English grammar learners ready to refine their communication skills. Moving beyond basic sentence structures, understanding these forms allows you to express preferences, plans, and actions with much greater fluency.
Imagine being able to confidently say
I enjoy reading
instead of
I enjoy to read,
or making a polite request like "I'd like to order a coffee" without hesitation. This chapter will unlock those possibilities. You'll learn how to use -ing words as subjects, which verbs demand a gerund or an infinitive, and even discover verbs that are happy with either!
Mastering these patterns will significantly smooth out your English, making your conversations flow more effortlessly and professionally.

How This Grammar Works

At the heart of this grammar chapter is understanding how verbs can act differently in a sentence. Sometimes, an action itself becomes the subject of your sentence, like a noun. This is where the gerund comes in.
For example,
Swimming is great exercise
– here, 'swimming' is the subject of the sentence, not an action being performed by someone. It’s an action turned into a concept.
Next, certain English verbs are followed by a gerund. These verbs often express feelings, preferences, or activities. Think of verbs like enjoy, finish, or avoid.
You'll always use the -ing form directly after them:
I enjoy learning new things,
or
He finished working late.
Trying to use an infinitive here would sound unnatural.
On the other hand, many English verbs are followed by an infinitive. These verbs frequently convey plans, desires, intentions, or necessity. Common examples include want, need, decide, and plan.
For instance,
She wants to travel next year,
or
We need to leave soon.
Here, the infinitive 'to travel' or 'to leave' clearly states the purpose or goal.
Some verbs are flexible! With verbs with gerund or infinitive where there's no meaning change, you can choose either. Verbs like start, begin, continue, and like fall into this category.
You can say,
I like reading books
or
I like to read books,
and both are perfectly correct and mean the same thing. This flexibility can make them seem less daunting.
Finally, for making polite requests, especially in formal or semi-formal situations, we use the specific structure 'would like' + infinitive. This is a crucial phrase for politeness and professionalism. Instead of
I want a drink,
you would politely say,
I would like to have a drink,
or
We would like to reserve a table.
This small change makes a big difference in how your request is perceived.

Common Mistakes

Learning gerunds and infinitives can be tricky, but recognizing common errors will help you avoid them.
  1. 1✗ I enjoy to read books.
✓ I enjoy reading books.
*Explanation*: The verb 'enjoy' is always followed by a gerund (-ing form).
  1. 1✗ He wants go to the park.
✓ He wants to go to the park.
*Explanation*: Verbs like 'want' are followed by the infinitive, which always includes 'to'. Don't forget the 'to'!
  1. 1✗ We would like ordering a dessert.
✓ We would like to order a dessert.
*Explanation*: For polite requests with 'would like', you must use the infinitive form ('to' + verb).

Real Conversations

Here are some everyday exchanges using gerunds and infinitives naturally.

A

A

What do you like doing on weekends?
B

B

Oh, I really enjoy gardening. And I sometimes like to go hiking too.
A

A

I need to finish this report by noon.
B

B

Me too! I keep procrastinating. Maybe we can decide to work together later?
A

A

Excuse me, I would like to ask about bus times.
B

B

Certainly, which destination are you planning to visit?

Quick FAQ

Q

What's the main difference between a gerund and an infinitive?

A gerund (verb + -ing) acts like a noun, often representing an activity or concept (e.g.,

Running is healthy
). An infinitive ('to' + verb) often expresses purpose, intention, or a future action (e.g.,
I want to learn
).

Q

How can I remember which verbs take a gerund or an infinitive?

The best way is through practice and exposure. Start by learning the most common verbs that follow each pattern (like enjoy + gerund, want + infinitive). Over time, you'll start to recognize the patterns naturally. Pay attention when you read or listen to English.

Q

Are there any verbs that can take both gerunds and infinitives?

Yes! For verbs like start, begin, continue, and like, you can use either form, and the meaning typically doesn't change. For example,

It started raining
and
It started to rain
both mean the same thing.

Cultural Context

Using gerunds and infinitives correctly is not just about grammar rules; it's about sounding truly fluent and polite. Native English speakers naturally choose these forms, and mastering them helps you integrate more smoothly into conversations. Phrases like
would like to
are indispensable for showing respect in requests, making your English not just correct, but also culturally appropriate and genuinely communicative.

주요 예문 (8)

1

**Reading** helps me relax after a long day.

독서는 긴 하루 후에 제가 쉬는 데 도움이 돼요.

-ing 단어를 주어로 사용하기 (동명사)
2

**Learning** new languages opens up many opportunities.

새로운 언어를 배우는 것은 많은 기회를 열어줘요.

-ing 단어를 주어로 사용하기 (동명사)
3

I really enjoy `listening` to podcasts on my commute.

저는 출퇴근길에 팟캐스트 듣는 것을 정말 즐겨요.

동명사 (-ing)가 뒤따르는 영어 동사
4

Have you finished `writing` that essay yet?

그 에세이 아직 다 썼니?

동명사 (-ing)가 뒤따르는 영어 동사
5

I really **want to order** sushi for dinner tonight.

저는 오늘 저녁으로 스시를 정말 주문하고 싶어요.

부정사가 뒤따르는 영어 동사 (want to, need to)
6

We **need to finish** this group project by Friday.

우리는 금요일까지 이 그룹 과제를 끝내야 해요.

부정사가 뒤따르는 영어 동사 (want to, need to)
7

I `love reading` fantasy novels on my commute.

저는 출근길에 판타지 소설 읽는 걸 정말 좋아해요.

동명사 또는 부정사와 함께 사용되는 동사: 의미 변화 없음
8

She `started learning` French last year for her exchange program.

그녀는 작년에 교환학생 프로그램 때문에 프랑스어를 배우기 시작했어요.

동명사 또는 부정사와 함께 사용되는 동사: 의미 변화 없음

팁과 요령 (4)

💡

'...하는 것'이라고 생각해 보세요

-ing 단어를 'The act of [verb]'로 바꿔서 말이 되면, 그건 주어 역할을 하는 동명사일 확률이 높아요. 이렇게 생각하면 동명사의 역할을 이해하기 쉬울 거예요!
The act of reading is my hobby.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: -ing 단어를 주어로 사용하기 (동명사)
💡

마음속 목록 만들기

억지로 외우기보다는 영어를 접할 때 이 동사들을 눈여겨보세요. 더 많이 볼수록 훨씬 자연스럽게 느껴질 거예요: "The more you see them, the more natural they'll feel."
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 동명사 (-ing)가 뒤따르는 영어 동사
💡

'미래 행동'을 생각해요!

친구에게 '나 다음 주에 뭐 하고 싶어'라고 말할 때처럼, 'to + 동사' 뒤에 오는 많은 동사들은 바라거나, 계획하거나, 앞으로 필요할 행동을 나타내요. 다가올 일이나 의도를 이야기할 때는 이 형태가 최고예요.
I want to visit you next week.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 부정사가 뒤따르는 영어 동사 (want to, need to)
💡

말의 흐름에 귀 기울여보세요

가끔은 한 가지 형태가 다른 문장과 더 잘 어울릴 때가 있어요. 직접 소리 내어 읽어보면서 어떤 형태가 더 자연스러운지 느껴보세요.
I like to sing this song
대신
I like singing this song
이 더 부드러울 수 있죠.
Sometimes, one form might just *sound* better with the rest of the sentence.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 동명사 또는 부정사와 함께 사용되는 동사: 의미 변화 없음

핵심 어휘 (5)

Enjoy to find pleasure in Suggest to propose an idea Infinitive the base form of a verb with to Gerund a verb acting as a noun ending in -ing Request an act of asking politely

Real-World Preview

coffee

Ordering Coffee

Review Summary

  • -ing verb + verb
  • Verb + -ing
  • Verb + to + base verb
  • Verb + -ing OR to + base
  • Would like + to + base verb

자주 하는 실수

The verb 'enjoy' must be followed by a gerund, not an infinitive. It's a common trap!

Wrong: I enjoy to read.
정답: I enjoy reading.

Gerund subjects always take a singular verb. Remember to treat the action as one thing.

Wrong: Swimming are fun.
정답: Swimming is fun.

The verb 'want' requires an infinitive. It never takes an -ing form.

Wrong: I want going home.
정답: I want to go home.

Next Steps

You have done an amazing job today! Keep practicing these patterns, and you'll notice your English becoming smoother every single day.

Write a diary entry for 10 minutes

Continue to: Connecting Ideas with -ing and To

빠른 연습 (10)

동명사를 목적어로 사용하는 동사를 올바르게 쓴 문장을 고르세요.

올바른 문장을 고르세요:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I enjoy watching movies on Friday nights.
'enjoy' 동사 뒤에는 항상 동명사가 오므로, 'watching'이 올바른 선택입니다.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 동명사 (-ing)가 뒤따르는 영어 동사

아래 문장에서 틀린 부분을 찾아 고치세요.

Find and fix the mistake:

They would like going to the cinema.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: They would like to go to the cinema.
'would like' 뒤에는 동사원형('to' + 동사원형)이 와야 하며, 동명사(-ing 형태)는 오지 않아요.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 정중한 요청: 'Would Like' + 동사원형

틀린 부분을 찾아 고치세요

Find and fix the mistake:

To run every morning are good for your health.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Running every morning is good for your health.
주어로 동명사 'running'이 필요하고, 단수 동사 'is'를 써야 해요.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: -ing 단어를 주어로 사용하기 (동명사)

알맞은 형태를 고르세요.

My cat really enjoys ___ on the couch all day.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: sleeping
동사 'enjoy'는 항상 동명사(-ing 형태) 뒤에 옵니다. to부정사를 허용하지 않는 동사 중 하나예요.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 동명사 또는 부정사와 함께 사용되는 동사: 의미 변화 없음

올바른 문장을 고르세요

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Studying hard leads to success.
'Studying hard'는 단수 주어 역할을 하는 동명사 구이므로, 단수 동사 'leads'가 필요해요.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: -ing 단어를 주어로 사용하기 (동명사)

올바른 문장을 고르세요.

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Both are correct.
동사 'prefer'의 경우, 동명사('cooking')와 to부정사('to cook') 둘 다 올바르며 같은 의미를 가집니다.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 동명사 또는 부정사와 함께 사용되는 동사: 의미 변화 없음

문장에서 틀린 부분을 찾아 고치세요.

Find and fix the mistake:

We need buying milk from the store.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: We need to buy milk from the store.
'need' 동사 뒤에는 동명사('buying')가 아니라 'to 부정사'('to buy')가 와야 해요.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 부정사가 뒤따르는 영어 동사 (want to, need to)

'would like'를 사용하여 공손한 제안을 올바르게 한 문장을 고르세요.

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Would you like some coffee?
'Would you like'는 공손하게 무언가를 제안하는 방법이에요. 명사(예: 'some coffee')가 뒤에 올 때는 'to'를 쓰지 않아요.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 정중한 요청: 'Would Like' + 동사원형

올바른 형태를 고르세요

___ new places is my passion.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Exploring
'Exploring'은 동사 'to explore'의 동명사 형태로, 문장의 주어 역할을 해요.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: -ing 단어를 주어로 사용하기 (동명사)

올바른 'to 부정사' 형태를 사용한 문장을 고르세요.

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He promised to call me later.
'promise' 동사는 약속을 표현하기 위해 'to 부정사'('to call')와 함께 쓰여요.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 부정사가 뒤따르는 영어 동사 (want to, need to)

Score: /10

자주 묻는 질문 (6)

동명사는 문장에서 명사처럼 기능하는 동사의 -ing 형태예요. 주어로 쓰일 때는 '행위의 주체' 역할을 하는데, 예를 들어 Reading is fun처럼 '읽는 것'이라는 활동을 나타내죠.
-ing 형태의 단어(동명사)를 주어로 사용하면 행동이나 활동을 '개념'으로 이야기할 수 있어요. 이렇게 하면 문장이 더 간결하고 자연스러워지죠. 예를 들어
Swimming is good for your health
처럼요.
동명사는 동사 원형에 '-ing'를 붙여서 명사처럼 쓰이는 형태예요. 예를 들어, I enjoy swimming에서 'swimming'은 'enjoy' 동사의 목적어 역할을 하는 명사처럼 쓰이죠.
가장 좋은 방법은 영어를 많이 접하고 연습하는 거예요. 'enjoy', 'finish', 'avoid', 'suggest' 같은 흔한 동사들 뒤에 늘 '-ing' 형태가 온다는 것을 개인적으로 목록에 적어두면 도움이 될 거예요.
여기서 'to 부정사'는 'to go', 'to eat', 'to study'처럼 'to + 동사의 원형' 구조를 말해요. 명사, 형용사, 부사처럼 쓰이며, 주로 목적이나 미래의 행동을 나타내요.
I want to learn Korean.
'to 부정사'를 뒤에 쓰는 동사들은 보통 미래의 행동과 관련된 바람, 계획, 의도, 또는 필요성을 표현해요. 앞으로 일어나야 할 일이나 바라는 것을 가리킨다고 생각하면 돼요. 예를 들어
I want to travel
처럼요.
이전 챕터
Talking About Life Experiences
다음 챕터
Connecting Ideas with -ing and To
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