Understanding Greek Gerunds and Infinitives for English Speakers

What Are Gerunds and Infinitives in Greek?

In Greek, gerunds and infinitives are non-finite verb forms that express actions without specifying the subject or tense directly. They are essential for forming complex sentences and expressing purpose, cause, or manner.

The Greek Gerund: Formation and Usage

The Greek gerund is formed by adding specific endings to the verb stem. It often corresponds to the English '-ing' form and is used to express an action related to the main verb.

Formation of the Greek Gerund

To form the gerund in Greek, take the verb stem and add the suffixes -οντας (for active voice) or -ομένης (for passive voice). For example, from the verb γράφω (to write), the gerund is γράφοντας (writing).

Usage of the Greek Gerund

The gerund is used to indicate simultaneous actions, cause, or manner. It often answers the question 'how?' or 'while doing what?'. For example: Διαβάζοντας το βιβλίο, έμαθα πολλά. (While reading the book, I learned a lot.)

The Greek Infinitive: Formation and Usage

The infinitive in Greek is the basic form of the verb, often used to express purpose, intention, or as a noun. It corresponds to the English 'to + verb' form.

Formation of the Greek Infinitive

Greek infinitives are formed by adding specific endings to the verb stem, such as -ειν or -ναι. For example, γράφειν or γράφναι both mean 'to write'.

Usage of the Greek Infinitive

The infinitive is used after certain verbs, to express purpose, or as the subject or object of a sentence. For example: Θέλω να γράψω. (I want to write.)

Common Examples of Greek Gerunds and Infinitives

Tips for English Speakers Learning Greek Gerunds and Infinitives

• Remember that Greek gerunds often express simultaneous actions.
• Infinitives can function as nouns in Greek sentences.
• Practice by identifying gerunds and infinitives in Greek texts.
• Use gerunds to describe how or when an action happens.
• Infinitives often follow modal verbs like θέλω (want) or μπορώ (can).