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Gerunds And Infinitives – Quiz 1
Gerunds And Infinitives Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the understanding of gerunds and infinitives, focusing on their usage in expressing future intentions, preferences, and purposes. It also assesses the ability to identify correct verb forms as nouns (gerunds) versus verbs (infinitives), subject-verb agreement, and proper construction in various sentence structures.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
I would prefer you ..... English
A) To speak.
B) Speaking.
C) Speaking in.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is C) Speaking in. The phrase "I would prefer you speaking in English" uses a gerund ("speaking") as the object of the preposition "in." This construction is grammatically correct and conveys that the speaker prefers the listener to speak in English.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"To speak" is an infinitive, which does not fit correctly after "speaking in."
Option B:
"Speaking" alone without "in" would be incorrect as it lacks the necessary preposition.
Option C:
"Speaking in" is correct because it uses a gerund with the appropriate preposition to express preference.
Option D:
"None of the above" is not applicable since option C is correct.
2.
Do you want ..... Italian or English?
A) To learn.
B) Learning.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Do you want ..... Italian or English?" is asking about a preference, which requires an infinitive to express the action of learning. Therefore, the correct answer is
To learn.
This makes Option A the right choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "To learn" functions as an infinitive and properly completes the sentence by indicating the action of wanting to study a language.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Learning" is a gerund, which does not fit grammatically in this context as it would imply an ongoing or completed action rather than a preference for learning.
Option C:
Incorrect. This option suggests all the above, but only one correct answer exists based on the sentence structure and grammar rules.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
3.
Layla gave up ..... when she had a baby.
A) Modeling.
B) To model.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Layla gave up ... when she had a baby" requires an infinitive to follow the verb "gave up," as it is used to express purpose or intention. The correct form of the infinitive is "to model." Therefore, Option A ("Modeling") is incorrect because it should be in its base form without -ing. Option B ("To model") is the correct answer.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; gerunds (-ing forms) cannot follow "gave up" to express purpose.
Option B:
Correct; infinitives (to + base form) are used to express purpose or intention after certain verbs like "give up."
Option C:
Incorrect; both options A and B are correct, so this option is not applicable.
Option D:
Incorrect; there is a correct answer among the given choices.
4.
The clientes looked at the food and said "We are sorry ..... you that we don't like this dish"
A) Tell.
B) To telling.
C) Telling.
D) To tell.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) To tell.
In this sentence, "to tell" functions as an infinitive phrase modifying the verb "said." The clientes are expressing their intention to inform someone about not liking the dish. An infinitive typically begins with "to" and follows a main verb like "say," "want," or "decide."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Tell" is missing the necessary "to" before it, making it incomplete.
Option B:
"To telling" is grammatically incorrect; "telling" should not be preceded by "to" in this context.
Option C:
"Telling" alone does not fit the sentence structure as well as an infinitive form would.
Option D:
"To tell" is correct, forming a proper infinitive phrase that fits grammatically and semantically in this context.
5.
I really miss ..... (chat) with you every day.
A) To.
B) Ing.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Ing.
The phrase "I really miss" requires a verb form that functions as the object of the preposition "with." In this context, "chatting" (the -ing form of the verb) serves as a gerund and acts as the object of the preposition. Therefore, only option B is grammatically correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
To does not function as a gerund in this context.
Option B:
Correct - "chatting" (the -ing form) functions as the object of the preposition with and is a gerund.
Option C:
All the above is incorrect because only one option fits grammatically in this context.
Option D:
None of the above is incorrect since Option B is correct.
6.
She misses ..... volleyball on Saturdays.
A) Playing.
B) To play.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
She misses playing volleyball on Saturdays is correct because "playing" functions as a gerund, which can be used as the subject of a sentence. A gerund is formed by adding -ing to a verb and acts like a noun in this context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Playing" is a gerund that functions as the subject of the sentence.
Option B:
Incorrect. "To play" is an infinitive, which cannot be used as the subject of a sentence in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. "All the above" is not correct because only option A is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
7.
Our teacher promised ..... (take) us to the zoo if we worked well.
A) TAKING.
B) TO TAKE.
C) BOTH.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The teacher's promise is to take the students, not that taking them would be an action already in progress. Therefore, "to take" (an infinitive) is correct here as it indicates a future action promised by the teacher.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Taking implies an ongoing or completed action which doesn't fit the context of a promise for the future.
Option B:
To take is correct because it represents a future action promised by the teacher.
Option C:
Both is incorrect as only one option fits the context.
Option D:
None of the above is incorrect since Option B is correct.
8.
We considered ..... to New Zealand for a while but, in the end, we came to the UK.
A) To move.
B) Moving.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "We considered
Moving
to New Zealand for a while but, in the end, we came to the UK." uses an infinitive form of the verb "to move" as the object of the preposition "considered". An infinitive is formed with "to" followed by the base form of the verb. In this context, it correctly represents the action being considered.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; "To move" would be redundant as a gerund.
Option B:
Correct; "Moving" is an infinitive and fits grammatically in this sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect; "All the above" is not applicable since only one option (B) is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect; "None of the above" is incorrect as Option B is valid.
9.
Identify the infinitive:Courtney told Dylan to kick the football at Henry.
A) Told.
B) To kick.
C) The football.
D) At Henry.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive in the sentence is
To kick
. An infinitive is a verb form that begins with "to" and follows another word, often a noun or pronoun. In this case, "to kick" follows "Dylan," indicating what Dylan was told to do.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Told is the past tense of tell, not an infinitive.
Option B:
Correct. It's the infinitive form of the verb "kick."
Option C:
The football is a noun, not a verb form.
Option D:
At Henry is a prepositional phrase and does not function as an infinitive.
10.
They like ..... out to eat a lot and try new things.
A) Go.
B) Went.
C) Going.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Going.
The sentence requires a gerund to function as the object of "like." A gerund is formed by adding -ing to a verb, and it can act as a noun. In this context, "going out" means engaging in the activity of dining at restaurants, which fits naturally with the phrase "try new things."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Go" is an infinitive form (to + verb), not a gerund. It does not fit grammatically here.
Option B:
"Went" is the past tense of go, which doesn't work in this context as it's not about a completed action but a preference or habit.
Option C:
"Going" is the correct gerund form that fits grammatically and semantically.
Option D:
Not applicable since one of the options (C) is correct.
11.
It's tiring ..... a doctor.
A) To be.
B) Being.
C) Be.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "It's tiring ..... a doctor." uses the structure of an infinitive to describe the feeling of being tired, which is appropriate here. The infinitive form "to be" (Option A) correctly fits into the sentence as it indicates the purpose or reason for the tiredness.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "To be" functions as an infinitive and properly completes the sentence.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Being" is a gerund, which does not fit grammatically in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Be" alone lacks the 'to' that initiates an infinitive and thus doesn't work here.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
12.
Choose the best option.I can't afford ..... my friend a big birthday present.
A) Buying.
B) To buying.
C) Buy.
D) Me buying.
E) To buy.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
E) To buy.
This option uses the infinitive form of the verb "buy," which fits naturally in the sentence to express purpose without a direct object. The phrase "I can't afford to buy" means you are unable to purchase something for your friend.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Buying" is a gerund, not an infinitive. It would require a different sentence structure.
Option B:
"To buying" is grammatically incorrect; the infinitive form should be just "to buy."
Option C:
"Buy" alone does not fit in this context as it needs to be part of an infinitive phrase.
Option D:
"Me buying" is a gerund with a reflexive pronoun, which is not appropriate here.
Option E:
"To buy" correctly uses the infinitive form and fits grammatically in the sentence.
13.
I'm prepared ..... (answer) any question that might be asked during my job interview tomorrow.
A) Answering.
B) To being answered.
C) To answer.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C) "To answer" is correct because the phrase "I'm prepared to answer any question that might be asked during my job interview tomorrow" uses an infinitive verb form correctly. The infinitive form of a verb begins with "to" and follows the subject, indicating purpose or intention.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as it does not use the proper infinitive form.
Option B:
Incorrect as it is grammatically incorrect.
Option C:
Correct as it uses the infinitive "to answer" properly.
Option D:
Not applicable since option C is correct.
14.
Mary avoids ..... sugar because she has diabetes.
A) To eat.
B) To eating.
C) Eating.
D) Eat.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Eating.
In this sentence, "eating" functions as a gerund, which can be used as the object of a preposition like "avoids." The other options are incorrect because:
- Option A and B use infinitives ("To eat," "To eating"), which cannot directly follow "avoids."
- Option D is an infinitive without "to," which also does not fit grammatically.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; uses an infinitive form.
Option B:
Incorrect; uses a gerund but with unnecessary "To."
Option C:
Correct; uses the gerund form of the verb.
Option D:
Incorrect; lacks "to" before the infinitive.
15.
"I invited my friends ..... to my birthday party next week."
A) To come.
B) Coming.
C) Come.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive "to come" is the correct choice here because it functions as a complement to the verb "invited." In English, when we use an invitation or a request followed by a gerund (verb + -ing), we typically use the infinitive form of the verb. For example: "I invited my friends to come to my birthday party next week."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The infinitive "to come" is appropriate here.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Coming" is a gerund and does not fit the sentence structure properly.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Come" alone lacks the necessary form to function as a complement in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. At least one option (A) is correct, so "None of the above" is not applicable.
16.
Avoid ..... people's favorite bands and artists.
A) Criticizing.
B) To criticize.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
A) Criticizing.
The sentence "Avoid criticizing people's favorite bands and artists" uses a gerund ("criticizing") as the object of the infinitive verb "to avoid." This structure is grammatically correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses a gerund in the infinitive construction.
Option B:
Incorrect. Infinitive form ("to criticize") does not fit as an object of "avoid."
Option C:
Incorrect. Includes both forms, making it incorrect for this specific sentence structure.
Option D:
Incorrect. The correct option is provided in A.
17.
I can't ..... on this side of the road.
A) Be used to drive.
B) Have used to drive.
C) Get used to driving.
D) Be getting used to drive.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
C) Get used to driving.
This option uses the infinitive form "to drive" correctly after the verb "get used." The phrase "get used to" requires an -ing form or a bare infinitive (without "to") as its complement. In this case, "driving" is the correct -ing form.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; "Be used to drive" uses "be" with "used," which does not fit the structure required by "get used to."
Option B:
Incorrect; "Have used to drive" is a verb phrase that doesn't fit grammatically after "get used to."
Option C:
Correct; "Get used to driving" uses the infinitive form of "to drive" correctly.
Option D:
Incorrect; "Be getting used to drive" is a verb phrase that doesn't fit grammatically after "get used to."
18.
She dislikes ..... the bus very early in the mornings
A) Waiting for.
B) To wait.
C) To wait for.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence requires a gerund to function as the object of the preposition "dislikes." The correct form is "Waiting for," which is a gerund phrase acting as the direct object of the verb "dislikes."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Waiting for" is a gerund and fits grammatically.
Option B:
Incorrect. "To wait" is an infinitive, not a gerund.
Option C:
Incorrect. "To wait for" is two infinitives; the sentence needs only one verb form.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
19.
To explain why somebody does something.
A) GERUND.
B) INFINITIVE.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is B) INFINITIVE because infinitives are used to explain why someone does something. For example, "To study hard" explains the reason for an action.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Gerunds (e.g., studying) describe actions but do not typically explain reasons.
Option B:
Infinitives (e.g., to study) are used to express purpose or reason for an action, making them the correct choice here.
Option C:
All the above is incorrect since infinitives alone can correctly answer the question.
Option D:
None of the above is also incorrect as Option B is correct.
20.
Identify the infinitive in the following sentence:He decided to study abroad.
A) Decided to study.
B) To study.
C) He decided.
D) Study abroad.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive in the sentence "He decided to study abroad" is
To study
. An infinitive is a verb form that typically begins with "to" followed by the base form of the verb. In this case, "to study" functions as an infinitive used as an object complement.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Decided to study - This is part of the sentence but not the infinitive.
Option B:
To study - Correct. It's the base form of the verb following "to" and functions as an infinitive.
Option C:
He decided - This is the main verb, not an infinitive.
Option D:
Study abroad - This is a gerund phrase acting as an adjective modifying "abroad," not an infinitive.
21.
The teacher encouraged the students ..... (participate) in the competition.
A) Participating.
B) To participate.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The teacher encouraged the students
To participate
in the competition.
- "To participate" is an infinitive phrase, which functions as a noun here and serves as the object of the verb "encouraged."
- Participating (a gerund) would be used if it were the subject or part of another clause.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Participating is a gerund, not an infinitive. It cannot directly follow the verb "encouraged" in this context.
Option B:
Correct. The infinitive "To participate" functions as the object of the encouragement.
Option C:
All the above is incorrect because only one option (B) fits grammatically and semantically.
Option D:
None of the above is incorrect since Option B is correct.
22.
I regret ..... you that you have not been accepted for the job.
A) To inform.
B) Inform.
C) Informing.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive "to inform" is the correct choice here because it functions as a noun in this sentence, serving as the subject of the clause. The gerund "informing" would be used if the verb were to describe an action being performed at the moment, but in this case, we are stating the purpose or reason for the regret.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "To inform" is a noun and functions as the subject of the sentence.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Inform" alone does not function as a complete subject in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Informing" would be used if describing an ongoing action, which is not the case here.
Option D:
Incorrect. At least one of the options provided is correct.
23.
I must remember to send the email after lunch.
A) A. First, I remember then I do it.
B) B. I remember that I have done something earlier.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I must remember to send the email after lunch" uses an infinitive phrase ("to send the email"). The correct answer, Option A, correctly interprets this by stating that you first remember and then act on it. This aligns with the structure of the original sentence where the action (sending the email) is something you intend to do based on a remembered task.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correctly identifies the sequence of remembering and acting.
Option B:
Incorrect as it suggests recalling an already completed action, which does not match "must remember" (indicating future intention).
Option C:
Incorrect as both options A and B individually are correct but do not encompass all possibilities.
Option D:
Incorrect as there is a correct answer among the given choices.
24.
Did you remember milk from the supermarket?
A) Getting.
B) To get.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Did you remember milk from the supermarket?" is asking about a past action of remembering, which does not involve an infinitive construction. The correct form to express purpose or intention in this context would be using a gerund or a present participle phrase, such as "Remembering" or "To get," but only "To get" fits grammatically and logically.
Option B) To get is the correct answer because it correctly uses an infinitive to indicate the purpose of remembering the milk.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Getting would be a gerund, not an infinitive. It does not fit the context as well as "To get."
Option B:
To get is correct because it uses an infinitive to express purpose in remembering the milk.
Option C:
All the above is incorrect since only one option fits properly.
Option D:
None of the above is incorrect as Option B is valid.
25.
Select the correct option:She decided ..... (JOIN) the club to meet new people.
A) Joining.
B) Join.
C) Joined.
D) To join.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive "to join" is the correct choice because it functions as a purpose clause, indicating the reason for deciding to take an action. In English grammar, when expressing reasons or purposes, infinitives are often used after certain verbs like decide, plan, hope, etc.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Joining" is a gerund and does not fit the context of expressing purpose.
Option B:
"Join" alone lacks the infinitive marker "to," making it incomplete in this context.
Option C:
"Joined" is a past tense verb, which does not match the intended meaning here.
Option D:
"To join" correctly functions as an infinitive to express purpose.
26.
They like (play) soccer in the park.
A) Plays.
B) Play.
C) Playing.
D) Played.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "They like (play) soccer in the park" uses a gerund, which is a verb form that functions as a noun. In this context, "playing" correctly fills the gap to make the sentence grammatically correct and meaningful.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Plays - This option suggests an infinitive form (to + base verb), which is not appropriate here.
Option B:
Play - This also suggests an infinitive, which does not fit the sentence structure.
Option C:
Playing - This is a gerund and fits correctly in the sentence as it functions as a noun.
Option D:
Played - This past tense form does not fit the context of the sentence, which describes a habitual or general action.
27.
Jason studied French at university and went on ..... a teacher.
A) To become.
B) Becoming.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Jason studied French at university and went on ... a teacher" requires an infinitive to indicate the purpose of his studies. The correct form is "to become," which expresses Jason's intention or goal after completing his studies.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Infinitives like "to become" are used to express purpose or intention.
Option B:
Incorrect. Gerunds (like "becoming") do not fit the context of expressing a future action or goal.
Option C:
Incorrect. This option includes an incorrect form that does not make sense in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. All other options are valid, so "none" is not correct.
28.
I don't want .....
A) To be treated as if I don't know anything.
B) Being treated as if I don't know anything.
C) Both.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is correct because it uses the infinitive form "to be" which is appropriate for expressing a desire or wish in English. The sentence structure "I don't want to be treated as if I don't know anything" is grammatically correct and conveys the intended meaning clearly.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses infinitive form "to be" for expressing a desire.
Option B:
Incorrect. Uses gerund "being" which doesn't fit the context of a direct wish or desire.
Option C:
Incorrect. Both A and B are incorrect as they don’t match the grammatical structure needed for expressing a desire in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
29.
Because of the on going dispute, the politicians rests the president's ..... for hearing the session on a cabinet reshuffles .
A) To call.
B) Calls.
C) Called.
D) Calling.
E) Be calling.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) Calling.
In this sentence, "calling" functions as a gerund, which can act as the object of the preposition "for." The phrase "for hearing the session on a cabinet reshuffles" indicates that the politicians are resting (postponing) the president's action of calling for such a session. Other options do not fit grammatically or semantically in this context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"To call" is an infinitive and does not function as well here.
Option B:
"Calls" is a third-person singular verb form, which doesn't fit the sentence structure.
Option C:
"Called" is in the past tense and doesn’t make sense in this context.
Option D:
"Calling" as a gerund fits perfectly here.
Option E:
"Be calling" is not grammatically correct in this sentence structure.
30.
Choose the best option.When did you decide ..... the gym?
A) Start going to.
B) Starting going to.
C) To start going.
D) To start going to.
E) To start to going to.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option D) "To start going to" is correct because it uses the infinitive form of the verb "to start," followed by a gerund "going" and then the preposition "to." This structure is appropriate for expressing future intentions or plans.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. It starts with a gerund, which doesn't fit the intended meaning of a future plan.
Option B:
Incorrect. The word "Starting" is a gerund and should not be used before another gerund or infinitive in this context.
Option C:
Correct but less precise than D, as it omits the preposition "to." However, both are acceptable in some contexts, but D includes the full structure for clarity.
Option E:
Incorrect. It repeats "going" and uses an unnecessary infinitive form of "go," making the sentence awkward and incorrect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are gerunds and infinitives?
Gerunds are verbs that function as nouns, ending in -ing. Infinitives are verb phrases beginning with "to" followed by a base form of the verb.
How do gerunds and infinitives differ in usage?
Gerunds often act as subjects, objects, or complements in sentences. Infinitives typically function as adjectives, adverbs, or complements, and can modify nouns or verbs.
Can you use gerunds and infinitives together?
Yes, they can be used in the same sentence. For example, "I enjoy learning to play guitar" combines a gerund ("learning") with an infinitive phrase ("to play").
Are there any common mistakes when using gerunds and infinitives?
Common mistakes include confusing the forms or their functions, such as using a gerund where an infinitive is needed, or vice versa. Paying attention to sentence structure can help avoid these errors.
How do gerunds and infinitives contribute to learning English grammar?
Understanding gerunds and infinitives enhances your ability to construct more complex sentences, improving both writing and speaking skills in English.