Perfect Use of Gerund vs Infinitive

When it comes to using gerunds and infinitives in Portuguese, it's important to understand their differences in meaning and function. They are both verb forms that can act as nouns, but their usage can vary in different contexts.

1. Understanding Gerunds:
   • A gerund in Portuguese is formed by adding the suffix -ndo to the verb stem. For example, "falar" (to speak) becomes "falando" (speaking).
   • Gerunds are used to express an ongoing action, an activity, or a state.
   • Gerunds can function as subjects, objects, or complements in a sentence.

Examples:

• "Correr faz bem à saúde." ("Running is good for your health.") - gerund as subject.
• "Estou lendo um livro interessante" ("I am reading an interesting book.") - gerund as object.
• "O meu objetivo é aprender a dançar salsa." ("My goal is to learn to dance salsa.") - gerund as complement.

2. Understanding Infinitives:
   • Infinitives in Portuguese are the base form of the verb and always end in -ar, -er, or -ir. For example, "falar" (to speak), "correr" (to run), and "aprender" (to learn).
   • Infinitives are used to express intention, purpose, or an abstract action.
   • Infinitives can function as subjects, objects, or complements in a sentence.

Examples:

• "Falar outra língua é importante." ("Speaking another language is important.") - infinitive as subject.
• "Eu quero correr uma maratona." ("I want to run a marathon.") - infinitive as object.
• "Preciso aprender a tocar piano." ("I need to learn how to play the piano.") - infinitive as complement.

3. Choosing between Gerunds and Infinitives:
   • In general, when a verb follows another verb, it is usually in the infinitive form.
   • However, there are certain verbs that are commonly followed by gerunds or infinitives. Learning these verb patterns will help you choose the correct form.

Examples:

• "Eu parei de fumar." ("I stopped smoking.") - infinitive after the verb "parar" (to stop).
• "Eu comecei a estudar Português." ("I started studying Portuguese.") - infinitive after the verb "começar" (to start).
• "Eu continuo falando em público." ("I keep speaking in public.") - gerund after the verb "continuar" (to keep).

4. Verbs that Require Gerunds:
   • Some common verbs that are followed by gerunds in Portuguese include "continuar" (to keep), "deixar" (to let), "ficar" (to stay), and "parar" (to stop).

Examples:

• "Eu continuo aprendendo." ("I keep learning.")
• "Deixe-me explicando." ("Let me explain.")

5. Verbs that Require Infinitives:
   • Some common verbs that are followed by infinitives in Portuguese include "aprender" (to learn), "começar" (to start), "querer" (to want), and "precisar" (to need).

Examples:

• "Eu quero aprender." ("I want to learn.")
• "Preciso estudar mais." ("I need to study more.")

Remember that the choice between gerunds and infinitives can depend on the verb that precedes it and the context of the sentence. Paying attention to common verb patterns and practicing their usage will help you develop a natural feel for when to use gerunds or infinitives in Portuguese.