Gerunds and Infinitives helps you communicate about verb complementation and changes of meaning. Start with the meaning, notice the pattern, and then use it in complete sentences.
By the end of this lesson, you can
- I can choose gerunds or infinitives after common verbs and expressions.
- Recognise and build the form: verb + -ing; verb + to-infinitive; preposition + -ing.
- Use the pattern accurately in a meaningful sentence.
Meaning and use
Use Gerunds and Infinitives for verb complementation and changes of meaning. Always read the whole situation before choosing the form: grammar expresses a meaning, not only a pattern.
I enjoy swimming in the sea.
The verb 'enjoy' is followed by a gerund.
They decided to leave early.
The verb 'decide' is followed by a to-infinitive.
She is interested in learning French.
A verb after a preposition such as 'in' takes the -ing form.
verb + -ing; verb + to-infinitive; preposition + -ingKeep this pattern visible while you study the examples. Then cover it and rebuild one example from memory.
Key rules to notice
These rules explain why the form is correct. Focus on the subject, auxiliary, verb form, word order and time or meaning clues.
- The verb 'enjoy' is followed by a gerund.
- The verb 'decide' is followed by a to-infinitive.
- A verb after a preposition such as 'in' takes the -ing form.
- The verb 'hope' is normally followed by a to-infinitive.
- The verb 'avoid' is followed by a gerund.
Common mistakes
Not:I enjoy to swim in the sea.
Use:I enjoy swimming in the sea.
The verb 'enjoy' is followed by a gerund.
Not:They decided leaving early.
Use:They decided to leave early.
The verb 'decide' is followed by a to-infinitive.
Not:She is interested in to learn French.
Use:She is interested in learning French.
A verb after a preposition such as 'in' takes the -ing form.
Check before you practise
Complete each sentence mentally, then reveal the answer.
We hope ____ you soon.
to see
The verb 'hope' is normally followed by a to-infinitive.
He avoided ____ the question.
answering
The verb 'avoid' is followed by a gerund.
I promised ____ on time.
to arrive
The verb 'promise' is followed by a to-infinitive.