Gerunds and Infinitives
Know when to use -ing (enjoy reading) and when to use to + verb (want to read).
What Is It?
A gerund is a verb + -ing used like a noun (swimming). An infinitive is to + verb (to swim). Some verbs take one, some take the other, and some take both.
Why Do English Speakers Use It?
Using the wrong form after a verb is one of the most noticeable learner errors: “I enjoy to cook” sounds wrong to native speakers.
When to Use It
- Gerund after enjoy, finish, mind, avoid, suggest: I enjoy cooking.
- Infinitive after want, decide, hope, plan, need: I want to cook.
- Gerund after prepositions: She’s good at drawing.
- Gerund as a subject: Swimming is good exercise.
When NOT to Use It
Don’t use “to + verb” after a preposition: “interested in learning”, not “interested in to learn”.
Sentence Structure
| Pattern | Common verbs | Example |
|---|---|---|
| verb + -ing | enjoy, finish, avoid, mind, keep, suggest | I avoid eating late. |
| verb + to + verb | want, need, decide, hope, plan, agree | We decided to leave. |
| both (same meaning) | like, love, start, begin, prefer | I like reading / to read. |
Grammar Rules
- After any preposition, use the -ing form: before leaving, without asking.
- Stop + -ing = quit. Stop + to = pause in order to: I stopped to buy water.
- Remember / forget + -ing = a past memory; + to = a duty: Remember to call.
- Look forward to and be used to take -ing because “to” is a preposition.
Real-Life Examples
- Joe finished writing his report.
- Monica hopes to study abroad.
- Would you mind waiting a moment?
- I’m looking forward to seeing you.
Common Learner Mistakes
- I enjoy to dance.I enjoy dancing.
- She decided going home.She decided to go home.
- I look forward to meet you.I look forward to meeting you.
Quick Memory Tip
Infinitives often point to the future (want, plan, hope to…). Gerunds often describe the activity itself (enjoy, finish, avoid…).
Real Conversation
Monica: Do you want to go hiking on Saturday?
Joe: I’d love to! I really enjoy walking in the hills.
Monica: Great. Remember to bring good shoes.
Interactive Practice
Pick an answer to check your understanding.
Question 1 of 5
They suggested ___ a taxi.
Question 2 of 5
She decided ___ a new job.
Question 3 of 5
Would you mind ___ the door?
Question 4 of 5
I stopped ___ coffee because it kept me awake.
Question 5 of 5
I enjoy ___ in the rain.
Final Mini Quiz
One last check before you mark the lesson complete.
What does “I stopped to drink water” mean?
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