Grammer: Compound sentences, Gerunds, infinitives

Grammar) Compound sentences

A simple sentence contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought or idea. A simple sentence is sometimes called an independent clause. 

Ahmed drives to work every day.
(subject) (verb)

A compound sentence contains two independent clauses (or simple sentences) joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, so, or). A comma usually comes before the coordinating conjunction in a compound sentence. 

Use and to combine two sentences with related ideas. 

    The ad was funny, and it gave us helpful information. 

Use but to combine two sentences with contrasting ideas. 

    I enjoyed the book, but it had a very sad ending. 

Use so when the second sentence is a result of the first sentence. 

    Ali isn't feeling well, so he isn't coming to class today. 

Use or when there is a choice or two possibilities. 

    You can take the train to Madrid, or you can fly. 

Using different types of sentences can help make your writing more interesting for your reader.

Grammar) Gerunds and infinitives

A gerund is the base form of a verb + -ing. Gerunds can function as nouns in a sentence. A gerund can be one word (running, eating, living) or part of a phrase (running outdoors, eating healthily, living in a big city). 

Gerunds as subjects 

A gerund or gerund phrase can be the subject of a sentence. A gerund subject always takes a singular verb. 

Thinking is easier and faster when we use our lazy brain.
Being lazy doesn't just mean you take the elevator instead of the stairs. 

Gerunds after verbs 

Gerunds follow certain verbs. Here are some of the verbs that gerunds follow. 

    : enjoy finish avoid discuss consider
      dislike quit go practice suggest 

An infinitive is to + the base form of a verb. Infinitives can function as objects in sentences. 

    Doers want to solve a problem as quickly as possible.  

Infinitives follow certain verbs. Here are some of the verbs that infinitives follow. 

    : hope learn agree decide appear
      forget plan seem wait want

Test example: 
++Use a gerund(verb + ing) or an infinitive(to + verb)

1. I hope to go to Australia someday

2. Yuri wants to visit his friend in Seoul next fall

3. You should practice speaking Spanish every day

4. My neighbor agreed to help me fix my car

5. Do you enjoy playing soccer?

6. Jamal goes swimming every morning with his son

[From]
Q: Skills for Success 3 / Reading and Writing - Colin S. Ward & Margot F.Gramer (3rd Edition)