Gerunds & Infinitives

Advanced · Verb Patterns

When one verb follows another, the second verb changes form: it becomes either the gerund (-ing) or the infinitive (to + verb). The problem is that some verbs demand the gerund and others demand the infinitive, with no obvious logic.

The good news: the most common verbs fall into clear groups you can memorize, and a few verbs even change meaning depending on which form you choose.

How to build it

verb + -ing (gerund) OR verb + to + base (infinitive)

Rules & examples

1. Use the gerund (-ing) after: enjoy, avoid, finish, keep, mind, suggest, and all prepositions.

   These verbs "want" an -ing verb after them.

   • I enjoy reading.
   • She finished eating.
   • He is good at drawing.
2. Use the infinitive (to + verb) after: want, decide, hope, plan, need, promise, agree, learn.

   These verbs "want" a "to" verb after them.

   • I want to go.
   • They decided to stay.
   • She hopes to win.
3. Use the infinitive to express purpose (= "in order to").

   To explain WHY you do something.

   • I went out to buy milk.
   • She studies hard to pass.
4. Some verbs take either form, but the meaning changes.

   Choose carefully — the two versions say different things.

   • I stopped smoking. (I quit the habit)
   • I stopped to smoke. (I paused in order to smoke)
5. Use the bare infinitive (no "to") after modals and make/let.

   Modals and make/let break the "to" rule.

   • You must go.
   • She made me laugh.
   • Let me help.

Tips to remember

• A memory hook for gerund verbs: "I enjoy/avoid/finish/keep/mind/suggest DOING things."
• After any preposition, always use -ing: "before leaving", "good at cooking", "interested in learning".

Common mistakes

• ✗ I enjoy to swim. → ✓ I enjoy swimming. — "Enjoy" is always followed by the -ing form.
• ✗ She wants going home. → ✓ She wants to go home. — "Want" is followed by the infinitive.