How can we know if we have to put verbs in the infinitive, gerund or present participle tense?
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Hi Binta, Gerunds function as nouns: I like swimming / reading / cooking. Present participle is used in various verb tenses: I've been reading / cooking / waiting. Present participle can also be used as an adjective: I saw a sleeping cat / a reading guy / a laughing man. We can use verbs like, hate, love, prefer with both -ing and infinitives: We use -ing form to suggest enjoyment. We use to + infinitive to talk about habits. I like making jam. - I enjoy making it. I like to make jam every year. - it's a habit / preference. You can get more info about that in a textbook called "Essential Grammar in Use" by Raymond Murphy, units number: 51, 52, 53, and 54. Or you can also read an article on Cambridge dictionary website by searching: "hate, like, love and prefer". Have a wonderful day!
Infinitive is a singular, unconjugated verb usually preceeded by a word, most often used as a noun or adjective. e.g: I've always wanted to swim with the dolphins Gerund is derived from a verb but acts as a noun. (the -ing words) e.g: Swimming with the dolphins is a dream of mine. Present participle is often a verb in the PRESENT tense. e.g I am swimming with the dolphins hope that helped!
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