In English grammar, gerunds and infinitives are verb forms that function as nouns. They often act as subjects, objects, or complements in a sentence. Understanding when to use a gerund (verb + -ing) or an infinitive (to + base verb) is essential for fluency and grammatical accuracy. Although many verbs can be followed by either form, their meanings or grammatical correctness can change depending on the choice. This article will explore gerunds and infinitives in depth, highlight common usage patterns, and provide examples to illustrate key concepts.
The term gerund comes from Latin grammar, where it was used to describe a verb form functioning as a noun. In English, gerunds look like verbs ending in -ing but act like nouns within a sentence, serving as subjects, objects, or complements.
The word infinitive also originates from Latin, meaning “unlimited” or “not defined by tense, person, or number.” This reflects the infinitive’s role as the base or unconjugated form of the verb, typically introduced with “to.” Understanding their grammatical origins helps learners see why these forms are treated differently and how they operate within sentence structures.
What Are Gerunds?
A gerund is the -ing form of a verb that functions as a noun. Gerunds can appear as the subject or object of a sentence.
Examples:
- Swimming is good exercise. (subject)
- She enjoys reading novels. (object)
Gerunds retain some qualities of verbs (such as taking objects or being modified by adverbs), but they act as nouns.
Examples:
- I like playing soccer on weekends.
- Listening to music helps me relax.
What Are Infinitives?
An infinitive is the base form of a verb preceded by “to.” Infinitives also function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.
Examples:
- To travel is my dream. (subject)
- She hopes to study abroad. (object)
Like gerunds, infinitives can be part of phrases:
Examples:
- I need to finish my homework.
- He promised to help me with the project.
Verbs Followed by Gerunds
Certain verbs are usually followed by gerunds, not infinitives.
Common verbs followed by gerunds:
- enjoy
- admit
- avoid
- consider
- deny
- mind
- practice
- suggest
Examples:
- She enjoys cooking for her friends.
- He avoided talking about the problem.
Verbs Followed by Infinitives
Some verbs are typically followed by infinitives.
Common verbs followed by infinitives:
- agree
- decide
- expect
- hope
- learn
- plan
- promise
- want
Examples:
- They decided to move to another city.
- I hope to visit Europe next year.
Verbs That Can Take Both (with Change in Meaning)
A few verbs can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive, but with a difference in meaning.
1. Remember
- I remember locking the door. (I locked it and I remember it.)
- I remember to lock the door. (I didn’t forget to lock it.)
2. Stop
- He stopped smoking. (He quit smoking.)
- He stopped to smoke. (He stopped doing something else in order to smoke.)
3. Try
- Try restarting the computer. (Experiment with restarting it.)
- Try to restart the computer. (Make an effort to restart it.)
Verbs That Can Take Either (No Significant Change)
Some verbs can take both gerunds and infinitives with little or no difference in meaning.
Examples:
- She likes to read before bed.
- She likes reading before bed.
Verbs in this category include:
- begin
- continue
- hate
- like
- love
- prefer
- start
Gerunds After Prepositions
When a verb follows a preposition, it must be in the gerund form.
Examples:
- He is interested in learning Spanish.
- After finishing work, we went out for dinner.
- She apologized for being late.
This rule also applies to phrasal verbs and expressions:
- They’re looking forward to meeting you.
- I’m good at drawing.
Infinitives After Adjectives and Certain Nouns
Infinitives are often used after adjectives and certain nouns to explain purpose or intentions.
Examples:
- I’m happy to help.
- She’s eager to learn.
- It’s time to go.
- He made a decision to resign.
Common Mistakes
- Using an infinitive after a preposition:
- Incorrect: She is interested to dance.
- Correct: She is interested in dancing.
- Using the wrong verb form:
- Incorrect: I enjoy to swim.
- Correct: I enjoy swimming.
- Forgetting the meaning change:
- Incorrect: I stopped to smoke (when you mean you quit smoking).
- Correct: I stopped smoking.
Exercise: Identify Gerunds and Infinitives
Read the following essay paragraph. Identify and underline all the gerunds and infinitives. Then refer to the table below to check your answers.
Sample Essay:
Learning a second language requires patience and consistent practice. Many people start to study a new language but fail to continue after a few weeks. To succeed, it is important to enjoy practicing and avoid comparing your progress to others. Some learners prefer studying in the morning, while others choose to study at night. Remember to take breaks and consider using apps to improve your skills. One effective technique is to keep reviewing vocabulary regularly.
Answer Table:
| Verb Form | Example Phrase | Type |
|---|
| Learning | Learning a second language | Gerund |
| To study | start to study a new language | Infinitive |
| Practicing | enjoy practicing | Gerund |
| Comparing | avoid comparing your progress | Gerund |
| Studying | prefer studying in the morning | Gerund |
| To study | choose to study at night | Infinitive |
| To take | Remember to take breaks | Infinitive |
| Using | consider using apps | Gerund |
| To improve | to improve your skills | Infinitive |
| Reviewing | keep reviewing vocabulary | Gerund |
This exercise helps learners identify how gerunds and infinitives function in authentic writing. Practice with similar texts to become more confident in using these verb forms correctly.
Practice Makes Perfect
Mastering gerunds and infinitives takes practice. Pay attention to verb patterns and read regularly to see how they’re used in context. Try keeping a personal list of verbs and expressions that require either form.
Do not forget to take our verification test about Gerunds and Infinitives:
English Test – Gerunds and Infinitives
Conclusion
Gerunds and infinitives are vital to mastering English sentence structure and conveying meaning precisely. While it may seem challenging at first, understanding the rules, practicing regularly, and exposing yourself to natural English will build your confidence. Whether you’re writing essays, engaging in conversation, or reading literature, knowing when and how to use gerunds and infinitives will greatly enhance your fluency and clarity.
