gerund vs. infinitive

AMBER513 · 发表于 2019-10-6 16:18:48

Having more than the usual numbers of fingers or toes on the hands or feet is termed polydactyly.
• Having more than the usual numbers of fingers or toes
• Having had more than the usual number of fingers or toes
• Having more than the usual number of fingers or toes
• To have more than the usual number of fingers or toes
• To have more than the usual numbers of fingers or toes
I got the right answer C, but technically I can not figure out when to use gerund and when to use infinitive. I have browsed explainations on Manhattan, where there is no exact instruction either.
There are two kind of explainations that seem plausible:
1. *gerund is grammatically a noun but infinitive is still a verb*
2. *infinitive can only be the subject when reder to some abstract thing, such as "to be or not to be"、"to know is to love”， etc.*
If NNs know the exact usage of gerund and infinitive please let me know

kkggt · 发表于 2019-10-6 23:22:52

Gerunds
Gerunds are best for use in sentences about actions that are real or complete, or that have been completed.

• I stopped worrying about the future.

In this example, the worrying was real and it happened until I stopped.

• We really enjoy climbing mountains.

In this example, the climbing is real and it’s something we like to do.

Infinitives
Infinitives are best for use in sentences about actions that are unreal or abstract, or that will occur in the future.

• I’d like you to think about something.

In this example, I’m asking you to think about something, but the thinking hasn’t happened yet.

• Can we take a walk without you stopping to smoke?

In this example, we’re talking about taking a walk and the smoking hasn’t happened yet.

https://www.gingersoftware.com/content/grammar-rules/nouns/gerunds-infinitives/

AMBER513 · 发表于 2019-10-7 08:32:16

kkggt 发表于 2019-10-6 23:22
Gerunds
Gerunds are best for use in sentences about actions that are real or complete, or that have ...

thanks!

gerund vs. infinitive

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