Choosing between a gerund (the ‘-ing’ form) or an infinitive (‘to’ + verb) depends entirely on the main verb that comes before it. Some verbs require a gerund, some require an infinitive, and a special few can take either, sometimes with a change in meaning. The key is to learn the common verb patterns.
If you've ever felt confused about whether to say “I enjoy swimming” or “I enjoy to swim,” you’re not alone. This is a common challenge for English learners at all levels. Learning how do I choose between using a gerund or an infinitive after a verb in English is a crucial step toward sounding more natural and fluent. This guide will break down the rules, provide clear lists, and help you master this important grammar point.
Why Is It Hard to Choose Between Using a Gerund or an Infinitive?
The main difficulty is that there isn't one single, overarching rule that applies to all verbs. The correct choice is determined by the specific verb you use first. Think of it as learning vocabulary: you just have to remember which pattern each verb follows.
First, let's quickly define our terms:
- Gerund: The ‘-ing’ form of a verb that functions as a noun. For example, in “Reading is my favorite hobby,” the word *reading* is a gerund.
- Infinitive: The base form of a verb, usually preceded by ‘to’. For example, in “I want to read,” the phrase *to read* is an infinitive.
Now, let's look at which verbs take which form.
Which Verbs Are Followed by a Gerund (-ing)?
Many verbs that are followed by a gerund relate to liking, disliking, or the start/end of an activity. If the second action is real or has already happened (or is a general activity), it often takes the gerund form.
Here is a list of common verbs that must be followed by a gerund:
- admit
- avoid
- consider
- deny
- enjoy
- finish
- keep (meaning continue)
- mind
- miss
- practice
- quit
- recommend
- suggest
Examples:
- She enjoys listening to podcasts during her commute.
- The suspect denied stealing the documents.
- Have you finished writing your report?
Which Verbs Are Followed by an Infinitive (to + verb)?
Verbs followed by an infinitive often express intentions, plans, desires, and future actions. If the second action is abstract, hypothetical, or will happen in the future, it often takes the infinitive form.
Here is a list of common verbs that must be followed by an infinitive:
- agree
- ask
- decide
- expect
- hope
- learn
- manage
- need
- offer
- plan
- promise
- seem
- want
Examples:
- We plan to visit the museum tomorrow.
- He promised to call as soon as he arrived.
- Did you manage to get the concert tickets?
How Verbs Can Take Both: Choosing a Gerund or an Infinitive with a Change in Meaning
This is where things get interesting. A small group of verbs can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive, but the meaning of the sentence changes completely. The most common ones are *remember*, *stop*, and *try*.
Remember
- Remember + Gerund: Recalling a memory from the past.
- *I remember meeting her at a conference last year.* (I have a memory of this event.)
- Remember + Infinitive: Remembering a task you need to do.
- *Please remember to lock the door when you leave.* (Don’t forget this future task.)
Stop
- Stop + Gerund: To quit an action permanently or for a long time.
- *He stopped smoking on his doctor’s advice.* (He quit the habit of smoking.)
- Stop + Infinitive: To pause one activity in order to do another.
- *She stopped to smoke on her way home.* (She stopped walking in order to have a cigarette.)
Try
- Try + Gerund: To do something as an experiment to see if it works.
- *My phone is frozen. I’ll try restarting it.* (Restarting is the experiment.)
- Try + Infinitive: To make an effort to do something difficult.
- *She tried to lift the heavy box, but it wouldn't move.* (She made an effort.)
Conclusion: Practice Makes Perfect
While it might seem overwhelming, the logic behind these verb patterns becomes clearer with practice. The key takeaway is that the main verb dictates the form of the verb that follows. Mastering how to choose between using a gerund or an infinitive is a matter of memorizing these verb lists and understanding the subtle shifts in meaning for verbs that can take both. Bookmark this page and try creating your own sentences to build your confidence!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a gerund be the subject of a sentence? Yes, absolutely. When a verb acts as the subject, it always takes the gerund form. For example: "Learning English is a rewarding experience."
What is the difference between 'stop to do' and 'stop doing'? 'Stop doing' something means you quit that activity. 'Stop to do' something means you interrupt what you were doing in order to do something else. For example, "I stopped watching TV" (I turned it off) vs. "I stopped to watch TV" (I stopped what I was doing so I could watch TV).
Do prepositions affect the choice between a gerund and an infinitive? Yes, this is a very important rule. A verb that follows a preposition is always in the gerund (-ing) form. For instance: "I am interested in learning more," or "Thank you for helping me."
Is it 'look forward to meet' or 'look forward to meeting'? The correct phrase is "look forward to meeting." In the expression "look forward to," the word 'to' is a preposition, not part of an infinitive. Therefore, it must be followed by a gerund. This is a very common mistake for learners.
What is the best way to remember which verbs take a gerund or infinitive? Practice and active memorization are key. Try creating flashcards with the verb on one side and its pattern (gerund, infinitive, or both) with an example sentence on the back. Grouping verbs by meaning (e.g., verbs of desire like 'want', 'hope', 'wish' usually take an infinitive) can also be a helpful strategy.