Gerund vs. Infinitive: Distinguish when to use the gerund or infinitive forms to depict ongoing versus one-time actions.

Introduction

In Portuguese, both the gerund and infinitive forms are used to express ongoing or continuous actions. However, there are specific rules that govern when to use each form. In this guide, we will explore those rules and provide you with practical examples to help you distinguish between the two.

Using the Gerund

The gerund form is used to depict ongoing actions or actions in progress. Here are the key situations where you should use the gerund:

1. After prepositions: When a verb follows a preposition, it is usually in the gerund form. For example:

   • Estou viajando de carro (I am traveling by car).
   • Falamos sobre dançar (We talked about dancing).

2. As the subject of a sentence: The gerund can act as the subject of a sentence, emphasizing the action. For example:

   • Nadar é bom para a saúde (Swimming is good for your health).
   • Correr é um ótimo exercício (Running is a great exercise).

3. As an adjective or modifier: The gerund can be used to modify or describe a noun. For example:

   • Estou lendo um livro interessante (I am reading an interesting book).
   • Adoro filmes de terror assustadores (I love scary horror movies).

Using the Infinitive

The infinitive form is used to express one-time or completed actions. Here are the main situations where you should use the infinitive:

1. After certain verbs: Some verbs require the use of the infinitive form. These verbs include:

   • Gostar de (To like): Eu gosto de cantar (I like to sing).
   • Precisar de (To need): Precisamos de comer (We need to eat).
   • Decidir (To decide): Decidi esperar (I decided to wait).

2. To express purpose or intention: The infinitive form is used to indicate the purpose or intention behind an action. For example:

   • Estou aqui para ajudar (I am here to help).
   • Ele saiu para comprar pão (He went out to buy bread).

3. After certain adjectives: Some adjectives are followed by the infinitive form. For example:

   • É difícil entender (It is difficult to understand).
   • Estou feliz por te ver (I am happy to see you).

Practice Exercises:

1. Complete the sentences with the correct form (gerund or infinitive) of the given verbs:

   a) Eu _____ (cantar) no coro da igreja. b) Eles _____ (gostar) de assistir filmes de comédia. c) Precisamos _____ (estudar) para o exame. d) Você consegue _____ (correr) rápido?

2. Rewrite the sentences using the gerund or infinitive form, according to the given instructions:

   a) Change "Eu adoro nadar na praia" to adjective form. b) Change "Ela está falando sobre viajar para o exterior" to subject form.

(Note: The answers to these exercises are not provided as per the guidelines of this implementation. However, feel free to reach out if you have any doubts or questions about the exercises.)