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Passives gerunds and infinitives12/29/2022 ![]() However, it may be as simple as "it sounds better to our ears, so we say it that way. I think that all -ing words except "am enjoying" in Ben's "I’m enjoying imagining finishing writing this answer" are gerunds, each one acting as the direct object of the previous one. Gerunds can also be used in passive forms, with being + past participle as a passive voice equivalent. ![]() This also shows why English speakers will not use an infinitive - because it is not a noun so cannot function as a direct object: PASSIVE INFINITIVE FORM The passive infinitive form is used after modal verbs and other structures as going to, have to, to want, would like to. In these cases, it is clear that a gerund is needed so that "to sit" can function as a noun. ![]() I don't entirely understand why English requires the direct object clause to start with a gerund, but I think it might become more clear when the direct object is a one-word verb, rather than a full clause Usually the situations involve fixing or improving something: The house needs painting. (infinitive to + base verb) There are certain verbs that can only be followed by one or the other, and these verbs must be memorized. (gerund verb + ing) I want to see a movie. In this case, the gerund carries a passive meaning. In English, if you want to follow a verb with another action, you must use a gerund or infinitive. The present progressive is visible if you look at how the sentence would appear in other tenses, in particular the past tense: Need With Gerunds or Passive Infinitives: in certain circumstances, a gerund may follow need. ![]() ![]() "I am considering" is actually a present progressive tense of the verb "to consider." "Setting up a cyber cafe" is the direct object of that sentence, started off with the gerund form of "to set." (It means I saw the start of his journey.) PASSIVE VOICE : He was seen (by me) going. We use passive infinitives and gerund forms to emphasize the importance of the action over the objectĬommon VERBS Followed by an Infinitive affordĮXAMPLES: - Octavio can’t afford to be stolen all his equipment (this means that if somebody STEELS his equipment, there won’t be any chance to get new ones) - I refuse to be told what to wear.You actually do not have two gerunds in a row in that case. Bare infinitive is used after the verbs of perception in the active voice but infinitive with 'to' is used in the passive voice in this case : PASSIVE VOICE : He was seen (by me) to go. ![]()
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