Mastering English Grammar: Infinitives, Gerunds, Comparisons
Infinitives and Gerunds: A Comprehensive Guide
A. Infinitive with “to”
Uses:
- To express purpose: Example: I went out to get some fresh air.
- After some adjectives: Example: It’s not easy to find work these days.
- After “to be” to give orders or express arrangements: Example: You’re to stay here until I get back.
- After “would hate/like/love/prefer”: Example: Would you like me to do it now?
- After certain verbs: Verbs: agree, appear, arrange, ask, attempt, choose, decide, demand, deserve, expect, help, hesitate, hope, learn, manage, offer, prepare, pretend, refuse, seem, threaten. Example: If you need any help, don’t hesitate to contact me.
- After specific verbs + object: Verbs: advise, allow, ask, challenge, enable, encourage, expect, force, help, intend, invite, order, persuade, recommend, remind, teach, tell, urge, warn. Example: My family encouraged me to go to university. Note: If “advise” or “recommend” is used without an object, use the gerund: Example: I recommended applying to King’s College.
- After specific nouns: Nouns: ability, attempt, capacity, chance, decision, desire, determination, effort, failure, intention, need, opportunity, permission, plan, proposal, refusal, right, tendency, way, willingness. Example: Her refusal to accept his ideas led to his decision to resign.
B. Bare Infinitive (without “to”)
Uses:
After modal verbs: Example: I can’t resist it.
After specific expressions: Examples: had better, help, let, make, would rather/sooner. Example: We’d better go home now. Passive: We were made to do all the dirty jobs.
C. Gerund
Uses:
- As the subject, object, or complement of a sentence: Example: Playing golf is fun.
- After prepositions: Example: We thought about going to France this year.
- After specific phrases: Phrases: have difficulty/problems, there’s no/little point, it’s no good/use, it’s (not) worth. Example: It’s no use asking him.
- After specific verbs: Verbs: admit, adore, advise, anticipate, appreciate, avoid, can’t help, can’t stand, consider, delay, deny, detest, dislike, enjoy, feel like, give up, imagine, involve, keep, mind, miss, postpone, practise, prevent, propose, put off, recommend, resent, resist, risk, suggest. Example: She recommended visiting the museum.
- After specific verbs + “to”: Verbs: adapt/adjust to, admit to, confess to, get round to, get used to, look forward to, object to. Example: She confessed to being surprised by her success.
- Subject difference: If the subject of the main verb and the gerund differs, use an object or possessive adjective: Example: I couldn’t imagine him eating something like this.
D. Verbs Followed by Both Gerund or Infinitive
- No change in meaning: Verbs: begin, can’t bear, continue, hate, intend, like, love, prefer, start. Example: She suddenly started singing/to sing.
- Change in meaning: Verbs: forget, mean, regret, remember, stop, try.
Examples: Forget, remember, regret, stop:
Infinitive: Act of remembering, etc., comes first. Example: I must remember to post this letter later.
Gerund: Act comes second. Example: I remember posting the letter yesterday.
Try:
Infinitive: Attempt. Example: I’m trying to sleep.
Gerund: Experiment with. Example: Try using earplugs.
Mean:
Infinitive: Intend. Example: I mean to write to you.
Gerund: Involve. Example: Changing jobs meant moving cities.
Need, require:
Gerund: Passive meaning. Example: The plant needs watering.
Infinitive: Active meaning. Example: I need to water the plant.
E. Nouns Followed by Infinitive
Some abstract nouns can take a “to-infinitive.”
Examples: She has a tendency to put herself down. The decision to move overseas was difficult. Simon showed little willingness to assist us.
Comparing Past with Present
- Comparing Past with Present: Where once he was at the top of his game, he now struggles to win. We now depend on technology more than ever before.
- The + Comparative, the + Comparative: The more he laughed, the angrier she became.
- As + Auxiliary + Subject: He lived to a ripe old age, as did his wife and children.
- Using “Like” for Comparisons: She ran like the wind back to her flat. Getting him to talk is like getting blood out of a stone.
- As + Noun for Job, Role, or Function: She used her scarf as a bandage. He’s working as a postman.
- As vs. Like: As is used with verb phrases (formal): She believes, as I do, that the president is wrong. Like is used informally: She believes, like I do, that the president is wrong.
- As + Adjective/Adverb + As: He’s not so silly as he looks. (Negative: use “so” instead of the first “as”).
- Other “So” Structures: He is known not so much for his singing as/but for his charity work. If you get a discount, then so much the better. Nothing gives so bad an impression as arriving late. It isn’t quite such a cold winter as last year.
B. Words and Expressions to Modify Comparisons
- With Comparatives: Use: a bit, a little, slightly, much, (quite) a lot, far, significantly, considerably, three times, a great deal. Example: I’m feeling considerably better than I did yesterday.
- With Superlatives: Use: by far, easily, by a long way. Example: China is the company’s largest market, by a long way. Example: She is by far the most gifted musician in the band.
- With “As … As …”: Use: not quite, (not) nearly, almost, just, half, twice, three times, etc., nothing like, nowhere near. Example: She earns twice as much as me and works half as many hours.
- With “The Same … As …”: Use: not quite, (not) nearly, almost, just, (very) much. Example: I have much the same opinion as my colleague.
- Using “Come a Close Second”: The best part of the holiday was visiting the caves, but seeing the Roman ruins came a close second.
Internship Application Letter
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to express my strong interest in the [specific internship position] at [company/organization name], as advertised on [where you found the posting]. As a [your current position, e.g., a final-year student pursuing a degree in X at Y University], I am eager to bring my academic knowledge, practical skills, and enthusiasm to your esteemed organization while gaining invaluable professional experience in the field of [specific industry or sector].
Throughout my academic career, I have cultivated a solid foundation in [key subjects or skills related to the internship], which I believe align closely with the qualifications you seek for this role. For instance, during my coursework in [specific relevant course], I developed [specific skills or knowledge, e.g., advanced data analysis techniques, creative problem-solving approaches, or strategic thinking]. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to apply these skills in a practical setting when I [mention a project, research, or extracurricular activity]. This experience not only reinforced my technical abilities but also strengthened my teamwork and time management skills.
In addition to my academic background, my involvement in [extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or part-time jobs] has provided me with a well-rounded perspective and a proactive mindset. For example, as a [role in an organization or activity], I [specific tasks or achievements], which taught me the importance of adaptability, clear communication, and maintaining a results-oriented approach. These qualities, I believe, are essential to thriving in the dynamic and fast-paced environment of [specific industry or company].
What draws me most to [company/organization name] is its commitment to [specific value, mission, or recent achievement of the company]. I deeply admire how your team has [mention something notable about the company’s work, e.g., its innovative approach to solving challenges, dedication to sustainability, or impact on the community]. I am particularly excited about [specific aspect of the internship, such as a department, project, or responsibility] and am eager to contribute my skills to help [company/organization name] achieve its goals.
I am confident that my combination of academic excellence, practical experience, and passion for [specific field or industry] makes me a strong candidate for this internship. I am particularly skilled in [mention a couple of key skills that directly relate to the internship, e.g., conducting research, drafting reports, or using software relevant to the position], and I am eager to bring this expertise to [specific team or department].
I would be thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to [company/organization name] while also learning from the talented professionals on your team. I am particularly looking forward to [specific opportunity the internship provides, e.g., working on innovative projects, collaborating with diverse teams, or addressing challenges in the industry].
Thank you very much for considering my application. I would welcome the chance to discuss my qualifications further and explore how I can contribute to your team. Please feel free to contact me at [your email address] or [your phone number] to schedule an interview or provide additional information. I look forward to the possibility of joining [company/organization name] and contributing to its success.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Full Name]