Infinitive vs Gerund (Verb Patterns)
B1Some verbs are followed by the infinitive (to + verb), some by the gerund (verb + -ing), and some can take either. There is no single rule — the patterns must be learned, but grouping them helps.
Rule
Verbs about desires, plans, and decisions usually take the infinitive: want, decide, hope, plan, agree, promise, refuse, offer, learn, seem, expect. Verbs about feelings, experiences, and general activities usually take the gerund: enjoy, mind, avoid, suggest, finish, practice, keep, imagine, deny, risk. Some verbs take both but with different meanings: stop, remember, forget, try. After prepositions, always use the gerund.
Verb + to + base verb (infinitive) | Verb + V-ing (gerund) | Preposition + V-ing
Examples
Infinitive (decision)She decided to study medicine at university.
Gerund (enjoyment)I really enjoy swimming in the sea.
After prepositionHe left without saying goodbye.
Different meaning (stop)He stopped smoking (quit the habit) vs He stopped to smoke (paused in order to smoke).
Different meaning (remember)I remember locking the door (memory of past action) vs Remember to lock the door (don't forget to do it).
Common patternI'm looking forward to meeting you. (preposition 'to' = gerund, not infinitive!)
Exam Tip
Memorise the most common verbs for each group. For the NAEC, the biggest traps are: enjoy + -ing, suggest + -ing, decide + to, want + to, and 'look forward to + -ing'. When in doubt, check if there's a preposition before the verb — prepositions always take -ing.
Common Errors
- !Using infinitive after 'enjoy': 'I enjoy to read' instead of 'I enjoy reading'.
- !Using gerund after 'want/decide': 'I want going home' instead of 'I want to go home'.
- !Confusing preposition 'to' with infinitive 'to': 'I look forward to see you' instead of 'I look forward to seeing you' (here 'to' is a preposition).
- !Using bare infinitive instead of gerund after prepositions: 'good at play football' instead of 'good at playing football'.
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