slug: gerunds-vs-infinitives title: Gerunds vs Infinitives group: structures order: 5 summary: Know whether a verb should be followed by a gerund (verb + -ing) or an infinitive (to + base verb). formula: S + V + V-ing · S + V + to + V(bare)
When to use it
Many English verbs are followed by a second verb. The form of that second verb — gerund (-ing) or infinitive (to + base) — depends on the first (main) verb. Some verbs accept both forms, sometimes with a change in meaning.
I enjoy reading Vietnamese poetry. (gerund — enjoy always takes -ing) She decided to study English. (infinitive — decide always takes to + base)
There is no single logical rule: learners need to memorise which pattern each main verb uses.
Form
| Pattern | Common verbs | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Verb + gerund | enjoy, avoid, finish, consider, keep, suggest, mind, practise | He finished writing the report. |
| Verb + infinitive | want, decide, plan, hope, need, agree, refuse, offer, manage | She wants to leave early. |
| Verb + gerund or infinitive (same meaning) | start, begin, continue, prefer, like, love, hate | I like cooking / I like to cook. |
| Verb + gerund or infinitive (different meaning) | remember, forget, stop, try | I stopped to buy coffee (paused in order to). I stopped buying coffee (quit the habit). |
After prepositions, always use the gerund: "She is good at speaking English", "Thank you for helping me".
Examples
- I enjoy learning new vocabulary every morning.
- He decided to apply for the scholarship.
- She remembered to lock the door before leaving the house.
Common mistakes
- Using infinitive after
enjoy: "I enjoy to swim" → I enjoy swimming. - Using gerund after
want: "I want going to the beach" → I want to go to the beach. - Forgetting gerund after prepositions: "She is interested in to learn" → She is interested in learning.