Agerund phrase is when a verb takes on an "-ing" and becomes a functional noun. It consists of a modifier and a noun phrase. The function of gerunds is that they can be used alone or together with other words to form a gerund phrase, whereby the gerund phrase behaves like a single noun. Both the gerund and the gerund phrase above function Themain difference between a gerund and a participle is that a gerund always functions as a noun, while a participle can function as either a verb or an adjective. Gerunds are formed by adding -ing to the base form of a verb (e.g., swimming, cleaning, etc.), while participles are typically formed by adding -ed or -ing to the base form of a Thedifferences in usage (not in the case of "start") are chiefly whether or not to omit the infinitive marker "to," and whether or not the verb uses " only the infinitive," or " only the gerund" (as opposed to using either one). The above is not an example of a great sentence! Then, all I could do is to look for the usage of each verb. 4 Infinitive Phrases. A phrase that includes an infinitive along with a simple verb is an infinitive phrase. There may also be modifiers attached to the object in the phrase, It contains a verb, so it plays the role of expressing an action in the sentence. Infinitive phrases can act as a noun, adjective or adverb in a complete sentence. 1Answer. Both sentences are correct. They have a different meaning. "Try to" implies that the action that is attempted may or may not succeed. Try to give up candy; maybe you will succeed in refraining from eating candy, or maybe you will succumb to the temptation and eat candy anyway. "Try + -ing" indicates that the action may or may Theexpression "a/the chance to + infinitive" has been widely used as long as I can remember. My take on the difference is this: "a/the chance to + infinitive" - 'chance' tends to mean 'opportunity'. "a/the chance of + noun/gerund" - 'chance of' of tends to be similar in meaning to 'risk of' or possibly 'odds of'. Thenoun infinity, and the adjective infinite mean something that is never ending. The infinitive is also something that never ends, it always keeps its form. It is a verb form, preceded by the word to, which never changes, regardless of how it is used in a sentence. to read - I like to read. / He did not want to read. Noun ( en noun ) (grammar) A non-finite verb form considered neutral with respect to inflection; depending on language variously found used with auxilary verbs, in subordinate clauses, or acting as a gerund, and often as the dictionary form. (grammar) A verbal noun formed from the infinitive of a verb. Thereis a subtle difference between gerund and infinitive. It's just a matter of talking about real or possible experiences. I can't endure having cats in my house. More importantly, Cobuild do not list it among their many examples of 'verb followed by to-infinitive' constructions. And there have been previous threads dealing with 'verb Verbs gerunds, and infinitives work together in English create some unusual meanings. There are some rather important differences in meaning when you combine "Verbs + Gerunds" instead of "Verbs + Infinitives". Some verbs can only be followed by a gerund. Some can only be followed by an infinitive. Some can be followed by either with no NwMF.