Gerunds and Infinitives. Please Help!

NickSaban
Sun, 29 Sep 2013 13:35:31 +0000

I’m really having some trouble deciding on when to use a gerund versus an infinitive for error identification questions. Look at these examples…

Though she was one of the few women of her time “gaining” international prominence, Clara Barton would not have described herself as a proponent of women’s rights.

The sentence should be…

Though she was one of the few women of her time “to gain” international prominence, Clara Barton would not have described herself as a proponent of women’s rights.

I don’t understand why one should be used over the other. Especially after I look at these sentences which are both right…

Today, the members of Ms. Moreno’s physics class will begin “reviewing” for the final exam.
Today, the members of Ms. Moreno’s physics class will begin “to review” for the final exam.

What is the difference and when should an infinitive be used over a gerund or vice versa??? I really need some help here.