English as a Second Language | Gerunds and infinitives

Welcome to Gerunds and Infinitives: Mastering Verb Forms!

Hello future grammar experts! This chapter focuses on a core skill in English: knowing when to use a verb form ending in -ing (a Gerund) and when to use to + verb (an Infinitive).

Why is this important? Using the correct form after another verb or phrase is essential for clear communication and getting those high marks in your exams. Don't worry if this seems tricky at first—we will break it down step-by-step!

Think of it like this: Gerunds and Infinitives are special "disguises" that a verb wears when it needs to act like a noun, an adjective, or sometimes even an adverb.

Part I: Understanding the Basics

1. What is a Gerund?

A Gerund is a word that looks exactly like the present continuous form of a verb (it ends in -ing), but it acts like a noun.

• Structure: Base Verb + -ing

When a Gerund is used, it often refers to an activity, concept, or thing.

Example:

Swimming (the activity) is great exercise. (Here, swimming is the subject of the sentence, acting as a noun.)
I enjoy reading. (Here, reading is the object of the verb enjoy, acting as a noun.)

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2. What is an Infinitive?

The full Infinitive is the basic form of the verb, usually preceded by the word to.

• Structure: to + Base Verb (e.g., to run, to eat, to study)

Infinitives often express purpose, desire, or intention.

Example:
I decided to study harder this year. (Expressing a decision.)
We need to leave soon. (Expressing a necessity.)

Part II: Gerunds – The ‘Always -ing’ Club

We mainly use Gerunds in three situations. The most important one for your B1 exams is using them after certain verbs and all prepositions.

1. Gerunds after Specific Verbs (The "Always -ing" List)

Some verbs simply demand that the verb following them must be a Gerund. You must memorize these common ones:

• Enjoy: I enjoy cooking.
• Finish: She finished writing the essay.
• Mind: Do you mind helping me?
• Suggest: He suggested going to the cinema.
• Avoid: We should avoid making noise.
• Practise: You must practise speaking English.

Memory Tip: Focus on verbs related to liking/disliking (enjoy, dislike) or completing/stopping an action (finish, avoid).

2. Gerunds After Prepositions (The Golden Rule)

This is a super reliable rule: Whenever you use a preposition (in, on, at, about, for, of, by, etc.), the verb that follows it must be a Gerund.

• Structure: Preposition + Gerund

Examples:
She is good at painting.
Thank you for coming.
I am thinking about moving house.
They talked about studying all night.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Never use an infinitive immediately after a preposition. (E.g., I am interested in to learn is incorrect!) Always use I am interested in learning.

3. Gerunds as the Subject of a Sentence

When you want the activity itself to be the subject (who or what is doing the action), use the Gerund.

Example: Reading improves your vocabulary.
Waking up early is difficult.
Learning a new language takes time.

Key Takeaway for Gerunds: Gerunds (V-ing) act like nouns. Remember the two big rules: after specific verbs (enjoy, finish) and always after prepositions.

Part III: Infinitives – Purpose and Desire

Infinitives (to + V) are used in three main situations at this level:

1. Infinitives to Express Purpose (The 'Why')

This is the most common use of the infinitive! We use it to answer the question 'Why?' or 'What for?'.

Example:
I went to the library to borrow a book. (Why did I go? To borrow a book.)
She called me to ask a question. (Why did she call? To ask a question.)

Did you know? In this context, to means the same as in order to.

2. Infinitives after Specific Verbs (The "Always To + V" List)

Just like Gerunds, there is a list of verbs that must be followed by the full infinitive.

• Want: I want to travel next year.
• Need: They need to finish the project.
• Decide: We decided to leave early.
• Hope: He hopes to pass the exam.
• Promise: She promised to call later.
• Plan: We plan to visit the museum.

Memory Tip: Focus on verbs related to future plans, wishes, or requirements (want, need, plan, hope).

3. Infinitives after Adjectives

When an adjective describes a feeling, a difficulty, or a necessity, we often use the infinitive afterwards.

Examples:
It is easy to learn this rule.
I am happy to see you.
It was difficult to understand the instructions.

Key Takeaway for Infinitives: Infinitives (To + V) are used for future intentions, wishes, and, most importantly, to express purpose (the reason why you do something).

Part IV: The Tricky Group – Verbs Followed by Both (with a Change in Meaning)

This is where B1 grammar gets slightly more challenging, but understanding the difference gives you a real grammar superpower!

Some common verbs can be followed by either a Gerund or an Infinitive, but the meaning of the sentence changes completely.

1. Stop

• Stop + Gerund (V-ing): Means the action itself ends permanently or temporarily.

Example: I stopped smoking last year. (I quit the habit.)

• Stop + Infinitive (To + V): Means you pause one action in order to start another (to express purpose).

Example: I was walking and stopped to tie my shoelace. (I paused walking for the purpose of tying my lace.)

2. Try

• Try + Gerund (V-ing): Means to experiment with a method to see if it works. (Testing something out.)

Example: I couldn't open the door, so I tried using a different key. (I tested the different key.)

• Try + Infinitive (To + V): Means to make an effort; to attempt something difficult. (Working hard to achieve.)

Example: I tried to lift the heavy box, but I couldn't. (I made an effort.)

3. Remember

• Remember + Gerund (V-ing): Means remembering a past event or memory.

Example: I remember visiting this zoo when I was a child. (A past memory.)

• Remember + Infinitive (To + V): Means remembering a necessary task or obligation before you do it.

Example: I remembered to lock the door before I left. (I remembered the action I needed to perform.)