One of the most common challenges English learners face is knowing when to use a gerund (walking, reading) and when to use an infinitive (to walk, to read). While both forms can act like nouns in a sentence, their correct usage often depends on the verbs or expressions they follow.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about gerunds and infinitives—from how they’re formed to when and why we use them. We’ll look at common patterns, exceptions, and tricky situations where learners often get stuck.
You’ll learn:
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What gerunds and infinitives are
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How to tell them apart
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Which verbs are followed by gerunds, which by infinitives, and which allow both (with different meanings!)
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How to avoid typical mistakes
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Practice exercises to test your knowledge
Whether you’re preparing for an exam, writing essays, or just want to sound more fluent and natural in English, this article will give you the tools and confidence to use gerunds and infinitives correctly.
Let’s get started and take your grammar skills to the next level!
Table of Contents
- Definition: Gerunds and Infinitives
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories
- Examples of Gerunds and Infinitives
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
Definition: Gerunds and Infinitives
Gerunds and infinitives are verb forms that function as nouns in a sentence. While both can occupy similar roles, their structures and usages differ significantly.
A solid understanding of these differences is essential for accurate and fluent English communication.
What is a Gerund?
A gerund is a verb form ending in “-ing” that functions as a noun. It can act as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Think of it as a verb “turned” into a noun.
Examples of gerunds in sentences:
- Swimming is my favorite exercise. (subject)
- I enjoy reading novels. (object)
- My hobby is painting landscapes. (complement)
What is an Infinitive?
An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by “to.” It can also function as a noun, adjective, or adverb. There are two types of infinitives: the full infinitive (with “to”) and the bare infinitive (without “to”).
Examples of infinitives in sentences:
- To travel is my dream. (noun, subject)
- I need to study for the exam. (noun, object)
- This is the best time to visit. (adjective)
- I went there to relax. (adverb)
Structural Breakdown
Understanding the structure of gerunds and infinitives helps in correctly identifying and using them in sentences. Each form has its own distinct characteristics.
Gerund Structure
The basic structure of a gerund is the base form of the verb + “-ing”. Gerunds can also be part of more complex phrases, including objects and modifiers.
Examples of gerund phrases:
- Reading books is a great way to relax.
- I enjoy listening to music.
- Running in the park keeps me healthy.
Infinitive Structure
The structure of a full infinitive is “to” + base form of the verb. Bare infinitives, on the other hand, consist only of the base form of the verb, without “to.”
Examples of infinitive phrases:
- I want to learn Spanish.
- It’s important to stay hydrated.
- I helped him carry the boxes. (bare infinitive)
Types and Categories
Gerunds and infinitives can be categorized based on their function in a sentence. Understanding these categories helps in recognizing their roles and using them appropriately.
Gerund Categories
Gerunds can function as:
- Subject: Swimming is good exercise.
- Object of a verb: I enjoy reading.
- Object of a preposition: I am good at painting.
- Subject complement: My favorite activity is hiking.
Infinitive Categories
Infinitives can function as:
- Noun (subject): To err is human.
- Noun (object): I want to travel.
- Adjective: I need a book to read.
- Adverb: I went to the store to buy milk.
Examples of Gerunds and Infinitives
The best way to understand gerunds and infinitives is through examples. The following tables provide extensive examples, categorized by function and usage.
Table 1: Gerunds as Subjects
This table showcases gerunds used as the subject of a sentence. Notice how the gerund performs the action described by the verb.
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Reading improves your vocabulary. | “Reading” is the subject of the verb “improves.” |
| Swimming is a great way to exercise. | “Swimming” is the subject of the verb “is.” |
| Writing can be therapeutic. | “Writing” is the subject of the verb “can be.” |
| Dancing is her passion. | “Dancing” is the subject of the verb “is.” |
| Singing makes me happy. | “Singing” is the subject of the verb “makes.” |
| Cooking is a useful skill. | “Cooking” is the subject of the verb “is.” |
| Traveling broadens your horizons. | “Traveling” is the subject of the verb “broadens.” |
| Learning is a lifelong process. | “Learning” is the subject of the verb “is.” |
| Hiking is a popular outdoor activity. | “Hiking” is the subject of the verb “is.” |
| Gardening is a relaxing hobby. | “Gardening” is the subject of the verb “is.” |
| Painting is a form of self-expression. | “Painting” is the subject of the verb “is.” |
| Drawing helps improve hand-eye coordination. | “Drawing” is the subject of the verb “helps.” |
| Running is good for your cardiovascular health. | “Running” is the subject of the verb “is.” |
| Skiing is a thrilling winter sport. | “Skiing” is the subject of the verb “is.” |
| Cycling is an eco-friendly mode of transportation. | “Cycling” is the subject of the verb “is.” |
| Fishing requires patience. | “Fishing” is the subject of the verb “requires.” |
| Camping is a great way to connect with nature. | “Camping” is the subject of the verb “is.” |
| Shopping can be a fun activity. | “Shopping” is the subject of the verb “can be.” |
| Working hard pays off. | “Working” is the subject of the verb “pays.” |
| Studying is essential for academic success. | “Studying” is the subject of the verb “is.” |
| Investing wisely secures your future. | “Investing” is the subject of the verb “secures.” |
| Planning ahead saves time and effort. | “Planning” is the subject of the verb “saves.” |
| Organizing helps maintain a clear mind. | “Organizing” is the subject of the verb “helps.” |
| Cleaning is a necessary chore. | “Cleaning” is the subject of the verb “is.” |
| Volunteering is a rewarding experience. | “Volunteering” is the subject of the verb “is.” |
| Teaching is a noble profession. | “Teaching” is the subject of the verb “is.” |
| Speaking clearly is important for communication. | “Speaking” is the subject of the verb “is.” |
| Listening attentively shows respect. | “Listening” is the subject of the verb “shows.” |
| Thinking critically is a valuable skill. | “Thinking” is the subject of the verb “is.” |
Table 2: Infinitives as Objects
This table illustrates infinitives used as the direct object of a verb. The infinitive receives the action of the main verb.
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| I want to travel the world. | “To travel” is the object of the verb “want.” |
| She needs to study for the exam. | “To study” is the object of the verb “needs.” |
| They decided to go to the beach. | “To go” is the object of the verb “decided.” |
| He hopes to win the competition. | “To win” is the object of the verb “hopes.” |
| We plan to visit our relatives. | “To visit” is the object of the verb “plan.” |
| They agreed to help us. | “To help” is the object of the verb “agreed.” |
| I expect to finish the project soon. | “To finish” is the object of the verb “expect.” |
| She offered to drive us to the airport. | “To drive” is the object of the verb “offered.” |
| He refused to answer the question. | “To answer” is the object of the verb “refused.” |
| We learned to play the guitar. | “To play” is the object of the verb “learned.” |
| I tried to call you earlier. | “To call” is the object of the verb “tried.” |
| She likes to dance in the rain. | “To dance” is the object of the verb “likes.” |
| He loves to sing karaoke. | “To sing” is the object of the verb “loves.” |
| We hate to wait in long lines. | “To wait” is the object of the verb “hate.” |
| They prefer to eat healthy food. | “To eat” is the object of the verb “prefer.” |
| I need to buy groceries. | “To buy” is the object of the verb “need.” |
| She wants to become a doctor. | “To become” is the object of the verb “wants.” |
| He hopes to find a job soon. | “To find” is the object of the verb “hopes.” |
| We decided to stay home tonight. | “To stay” is the object of the verb “decided.” |
| I chose to ignore his comments. | “To ignore” is the object of the verb “chose.” |
| She failed to understand the instructions. | “To understand” is the object of the verb “failed.” |
| He managed to complete the project on time. | “To complete” is the object of the verb “managed.” |
| We attempted to climb the mountain. | “To climb” is the object of the verb “attempted.” |
| They planned to renovate the house. | “To renovate” is the object of the verb “planned.” |
| I aim to achieve my goals. | “To achieve” is the object of the verb “aim.” |
| She intends to pursue a career in medicine. | “To pursue” is the object of the verb “intends.” |
| He sought to improve his skills. | “To improve” is the object of the verb “sought.” |
| We strived to create a positive impact. | “To create” is the object of the verb “strived.” |
| They yearned to experience new cultures. | “To experience” is the object of the verb “yearned.” |
Table 3: Gerunds as Objects of Prepositions
This table demonstrates gerunds following prepositions. Remember that after a preposition, you typically use a gerund rather than an infinitive.
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| I am good at playing the piano. | “Playing” is the object of the preposition “at.” |
| She is interested in learning new languages. | “Learning” is the object of the preposition “in.” |
| He is tired of working long hours. | “Working” is the object of the preposition “of.” |
| We are excited about going on vacation. | “Going” is the object of the preposition “about.” |
| They are responsible for maintaining the equipment. | “Maintaining” is the object of the preposition “for.” |
| I am looking forward to seeing you. | “Seeing” is the object of the preposition “to.” |
| She is thinking about moving to a new city. | “Moving” is the object of the preposition “about.” |
| He is worried about failing the exam. | “Failing” is the object of the preposition “about.” |
| We are grateful for having your support. | “Having” is the object of the preposition “for.” |
| They are dedicated to improving their skills. | “Improving” is the object of the preposition “to.” |
| I apologized for being late. | “Being” is the object of the preposition “for.” |
| She succeeded in passing the test. | “Passing” is the object of the preposition “in.” |
| He insisted on paying for dinner. | “Paying” is the object of the preposition “on.” |
| We congratulated them on winning the competition. | “Winning” is the object of the preposition “on.” |
| They blamed him for causing the accident. | “Causing” is the object of the preposition “for.” |
| I prevented him from leaving early. | “Leaving” is the object of the preposition “from.” |
| She stopped him from smoking. | “Smoking” is the object of the preposition “from.” |
| He discouraged me from giving up. | “Giving” is the object of the preposition “from.” |
| I am accustomed to waking up early. | “Waking” is the object of the preposition “to.” |
| She is committed to achieving her goals. | “Achieving” is the object of the preposition “to.” |
| He is devoted to helping others. | “Helping” is the object of the preposition “to.” |
| We are opposed to raising taxes. | “Raising” is the object of the preposition “to.” |
| They are resigned to accepting the situation. | “Accepting” is the object of the preposition “to.” |
| I am subjected to following strict rules. | “Following” is the object of the preposition “to.” |
| She is vulnerable to experiencing stress. | “Experiencing” is the object of the preposition “to.” |
| He is addicted to playing video games. | “Playing” is the object of the preposition “to.” |
| We are dedicated to preserving the environment. | “Preserving” is the object of the preposition “to.” |
| They are accustomed to living in a big city. | “Living” is the object of the preposition “to.” |
Table 4: Verbs Followed by Either Gerunds or Infinitives (with Different Meanings)
Some verbs can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive, but the meaning changes depending on the form used. This table highlights these differences.
| Verb + Gerund | Meaning | Verb + Infinitive | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| I remember meeting her before. | I have a memory of the event. | I remembered to meet her at the station. | I didn’t forget to do it. |
| He stopped smoking. | He quit smoking. | He stopped to smoke. | He paused his activity in order to smoke. |
| She tried speaking louder. | She experimented with speaking louder. | She tried to speak louder. | She made an effort to speak louder. |
| I regret saying that. | I feel sorry about something I said. | I regret to say that the flight is canceled. | I am sorry to inform you. |
| He forgot locking the door. | He has no memory of locking the door. | He forgot to lock the door. | He didn’t lock the door. |
| We started running. | We began the activity of running. | We started to run. | We began the activity of running. (same as gerund in this case) |
| I like swimming. | I enjoy the activity of swimming. | I like to swim. | I enjoy the activity of swimming. (same as gerund in this case) |
| She hates cleaning. | She dislikes the activity of cleaning. | She hates to clean. | She dislikes the activity of cleaning. (same as gerund in this case) |
Usage Rules
Understanding the specific rules governing gerunds and infinitives is essential for accurate use. Certain verbs, prepositions, and expressions require one form or the other.
Verbs Followed by Gerunds
Some verbs are consistently followed by gerunds. These include:
- Admit
- Appreciate
- Avoid
- Consider
- Delay
- Deny
- Detest
- Discuss
- Enjoy
- Finish
- Imagine
- Involve
- Keep
- Mention
- Mind
- Miss
- Postpone
- Practice
- Quit
- Recall
- Recommend
- Regret
- Resist
- Risk
- Suggest
- Understand
Example: I enjoy reading novels. She avoided answering the question. They considered moving to a new city.
Verbs Followed by Infinitives
Other verbs are consistently followed by infinitives. These include:
- Agree
- Appear
- Arrange
- Ask
- Attempt
- Choose
- Dare
- Decide
- Demand
- Expect
- Fail
- Hesitate
- Hope
- Learn
- Manage
- Need
- Offer
- Plan
- Prepare
- Pretend
- Promise
- Refuse
- Seem
- Strive
- Tend
- Want
- Wish
Example: I want to travel. She needs to study. They decided to go.
Expressions Followed by Gerunds
Certain expressions are always followed by gerunds, especially those involving prepositions:
- Be good at
- Be interested in
- Be tired of
- Be excited about
- Be responsible for
- Look forward to
- Think about
- Worry about
- Be grateful for
- Be dedicated to
Example: I am good at playing the piano. She is interested in learning new languages. He is tired of working long hours.
Bare Infinitives
Bare infinitives (infinitives without “to”) are used after certain auxiliary verbs (modal verbs) and after verbs of perception. Modal verbs include can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, and will, would.
Examples:
- I can swim.
- You should study.
- They must leave.
Verbs of perception (see, hear, feel, watch, etc.) are also followed by bare infinitives when describing a completed action.
Examples:
- I saw him leave.
- We heard her sing.
- They watched the bird fly away.
Common Mistakes
Using gerunds and infinitives correctly can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
Incorrect Use After Prepositions
Incorrect: I am good at to play the piano.
Correct: I am good at playing the piano.
Explanation: After a preposition, always use a gerund.
Incorrect Use After Verbs Requiring Specific Forms
Incorrect: I enjoy to read novels.
Correct: I enjoy reading novels.
Explanation: The verb “enjoy” is always followed by a gerund.
Incorrect: I want reading novels.
Correct: I want to read novels.
Explanation: The verb “want” is always followed by an infinitive.
Incorrect Use of Bare Infinitives
Incorrect: I can to swim.
Correct: I can swim.
Explanation: Modal verbs are followed by bare infinitives (without “to”).
Confusing Verbs with Changing Meanings
Incorrect: I remember to meet her before.
Correct: I remember meeting her before.
Explanation: “Remember meeting” means you have a memory of the event. “Remember to meet” means you didn’t forget to do it.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of gerunds and infinitives with these practice exercises. Each exercise focuses on a different aspect of their usage.
Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Form
Choose the correct form (gerund or infinitive) to complete each sentence.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. I enjoy ________ (read) novels. | reading |
| 2. She wants ________ (travel) the world. | to travel |
| 3. He is good at ________ (play) the guitar. | playing |
| 4. They decided ________ (go) to the beach. | to go |
| 5. I am tired of ________ (work) long hours. | working |
| 6. She offered ________ (help) us. | to help |
| 7. We are excited about ________ (go) on vacation. | going |
| 8. He refused ________ (answer) the question. | to answer |
| 9. I am looking forward to ________ (see) you. | seeing |
| 10. She is thinking about ________ (move) to a new city. | moving |
Exercise 2: Identify the Function
Identify the function of the underlined word (gerund or infinitive) in each sentence.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. Swimming is good exercise. | Gerund (subject) |
| 2. I want to travel. | Infinitive (object) |
| 3. She is good at playing the piano. | Gerund (object of preposition) |
| 4. To err is human. | Infinitive (subject) |
| 5. I enjoy reading. | Gerund (object) |
| 6. I need a book to read. | Infinitive (adjective) |
| 7. I went to the store to buy milk. | Infinitive (adverb) |
| 8. He stopped smoking. | Gerund (object) |
| 9. I remembered to lock the door. | Infinitive (object) |
| 10. She tried speaking louder. | Gerund (object) |
Exercise 3: Correct the Mistakes
Correct the mistakes in the following sentences.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. I enjoy to read novels. | I enjoy reading novels. |
| 2. She wants traveling the world. | She wants to travel the world. |
| 3. He is good at to play the guitar. | He is good at playing the guitar. |
| 4. They decided going to the beach. | They decided to go to the beach. |
| 5. I am tired of to work long hours. | I am tired of working long hours. |
| 6. She offered helping us. | She offered to help us. |
| 7. We are excited about to go on vacation. | We are excited about going on vacation. |
| 8. He refused answering the question. | He refused to answer the question. |
| 9. I am looking forward to see you. | I am looking forward to seeing you. |
| 10. She is thinking about move to a new city. | She is thinking about moving to a new city. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, understanding the nuances of gerunds and infinitives in more complex sentence structures is crucial.
Perfect Gerunds and Infinitives
Perfect gerunds and infinitives refer to actions that were completed before the time of the main verb. They are formed using “having” + past participle (for gerunds) and “to have” + past participle (for infinitives).
Examples:
- He denied having stolen the money. (perfect gerund)
- She claims to have finished the project. (perfect infinitive)
Passive Gerunds and Infinitives
Passive gerunds and infinitives are used when the subject receives the action. They are formed using “being” + past participle (for gerunds) and “to be” + past participle (for infinitives).
Examples:
- He enjoys being praised. (passive gerund)
- She wants to be invited to the party. (passive infinitive)
Gerunds and Infinitives with Possessive Pronouns
When a noun or pronoun precedes a gerund, it should be in the possessive form to show that the noun or pronoun is performing the action. This is not typically done with infinitives.
Examples:
- I appreciate your helping me.
- I don’t mind his leaving early.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some frequently asked questions about gerunds and infinitives:
- What is the difference between a gerund and a present participle?A gerund functions as a noun, while a present participle functions as an adjective or part of a continuous verb tense. For example, in “Swimming is fun,” swimming is a gerund (noun). In “I am swimming,” swimming is a present participle (part of the present continuous tense).
- How do I know whether to use a gerund or an infinitive after a verb?It depends on the verb. Some verbs are always followed by gerunds, some by infinitives, and some can be followed by either (with a change in meaning). It’s best to memorize the common verbs and their patterns.
- Are there any exceptions to the rules?Yes, there are always exceptions in English grammar. However, the rules provided in
this guide cover the most common cases. Pay attention to specific verb patterns and idiomatic expressions. - Can a gerund or infinitive be the subject of a sentence?Yes, both gerunds and infinitives can function as the subject of a sentence. For example, “Swimming is my favorite exercise” (gerund) and “To travel is my dream” (infinitive).
- What are bare infinitives, and when are they used?Bare infinitives are infinitives without “to.” They are used after modal verbs (can, could, may, might, etc.) and after verbs of perception (see, hear, feel, watch, etc.) when describing a completed action.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of gerunds and infinitives is essential for achieving fluency and accuracy in English. By understanding their definitions, structures, usage rules, and common exceptions, you can confidently incorporate them into your speaking and writing.
Remember to practice regularly and pay attention to the specific verb patterns. With consistent effort, you’ll be able to navigate the nuances of gerunds and infinitives and elevate your English grammar skills to the next level.