Understanding the two important grammatical structures in learning English, the infinitive and gerund, is essential. In particular, learning the passive forms of these two structures helps to make English sentences richer and more diverse. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the usage of the infinitive and gerund, particularly their passive forms.
1. Concept and Features of the Infinitive
The infinitive appears in the form of ‘to + base form of the verb’ and can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb. When used with a verb, the infinitive clarifies what the subject of that verb is or what is intended through that verb.
1.1 Passive Form of the Infinitive
The passive form of the infinitive is composed of ‘to be + past participle’. For example, it is used as “to be done” or “to be seen”, typically in cases where the subject is not the agent of the action. This indicates that the subject of the verb is passive.
1.1.1 Usage Examples
- Example 1: “The book is easy to read.”
- Example 2: “I have a report to be submitted.”
2. Concept and Features of the Gerund
The gerund is used as a noun in the form of ‘verb + ing’ and functions as a subject, object, or complement. The gerund is used after certain verbs and primarily expresses ongoing actions or states.
2.1 Passive Form of the Gerund
The passive form of the gerund is structured as ‘being + past participle’. This structure indicates that something is being done rather than a specific action being performed.
2.1.1 Usage Examples
- Example 1: “I enjoy being watched.”
- Example 2: “He is afraid of being rejected.”
3. Comparison of the Passive Forms of the Infinitive and Gerund
The passive forms of the two structures are similar but have slight differences in usage. The infinitive focuses mainly on future and potential actions, while the gerund is related to the results of current or past actions. This difference significantly impacts the sentence structure and content.
3.1 Comparison Examples
- Infinitive: “I want to be respected.”
- Gerund: “I enjoy being respected.”
4. Conclusion
The passive forms of the infinitive and gerund are helpful to us in many ways when studying English sentences. Understanding and utilizing these two structures is a crucial aspect of English conversation and writing. In order to learn English at a deeper level, it is necessary to actively practice and apply these grammatical elements.
Based on the discussions above, try to actively use the infinitive and gerund in your everyday conversations and writing. This grammatical knowledge will help you create complex sentences and effectively convey various emotions. While a lot of practice and effort is required, ultimately, your English skills will improve.