Gerunds and Infinitives
After some verbs, we use the gerund (verb + -ing: swimming). After others, we use the infinitive (to + verb: to swim). The choice depends on the first verb.
Structure
- Verb + gerund: enjoy, finish, stop, keep, mind, suggest, avoid. Example: I enjoy swimming.
- Verb + infinitive: want, need, decide, hope, plan, learn, promise, would like. Example: I want to swim.
- Both (same meaning): like, love, hate, prefer, start, begin. Example: I like swimming. / I like to swim.
How the Grammar Works
- Learn which group the first verb belongs to — this decides the form of the second verb.
- After prepositions, always use the gerund: 'I'm good at cooking', 'She left without saying goodbye.'
- Use the gerund as the subject of a sentence: 'Reading helps you learn.'
- Use the infinitive to explain purpose (why?): 'I went to the shop to buy milk.'
Common Use Cases
- Talking about likes and dislikes: She loves dancing.
- Talking about plans and wishes: We decided to stay.
- Explaining purpose: He called to ask a question.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Infinitive after 'enjoy': Incorrect: "I enjoy to read". Correct: "I enjoy reading".
- Gerund after 'want': Incorrect: "I want going home". Correct: "I want to go home".
- Infinitive after a preposition: Incorrect: "I'm interested in to learn English". Correct: "I'm interested in learning English".
Comparison with Related Grammar
Do not confuse the gerund with the Present Continuous. Both end in -ing, but the Present Continuous needs 'be' ('I am swimming now'), while the gerund acts like a noun ('Swimming is fun', 'I enjoy swimming').
Example Sentences
- He finished writing the email.
- They hope to visit us soon.
- She keeps forgetting her password.
- I need to talk to you.
- We're thinking about moving to a bigger flat.
When to Use This Rule
Check the first verb: some verbs take the gerund, some take the infinitive, and some take both. After prepositions — always the gerund. To explain purpose — the infinitive.