Gerunds and infinitives are both verb forms that can act as nouns in sentences, but they are used in different contexts and follow specific grammatical rules.

Here’s an introduction to both forms:

Gerunds

A gerund is the verb form that ends in -ing and functions as a noun. Despite being derived from a verb, it behaves like a noun in the sentence.

Examples of gerunds:

Swimming is good exercise. (subject)

She enjoys reading. (object)

They talked about traveling. (object of a preposition)

Key points about gerunds:

Gerunds are often used after certain verbs (like “enjoy,” “avoid,” “suggest,” etc.).

Example: I avoid driving in bad weather.

They are used after prepositions:

Example: She’s interested in learning new things.

They can be the subject of a sentence:

Example: Running is a great way to stay fit.

Infinitives

An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by “to” (to + verb).

Examples of infinitives:

She wants to learn French. (object)

To travel is my dream. (subject)

He asked me to help him. (object)

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Key points about infinitives:

Infinitives can be used after certain verbs (like “want,” “plan,” “decide,” etc.).

Example: They decided to leave early.

They can follow adjectives:

Example: It’s easy to make mistakes.

They can be the subject or complement of a sentence:

Example: To succeed requires effort.

Common Verbs Followed by Gerunds or Infinitives

Some verbs can be followed by either gerunds or infinitives, but the meaning can change depending on the form used.

Examples:

Remember:

I remember seeing him last week. (gerund: the action happened in the past)

Remember to call her later. (infinitive: something that needs to happen in the future)

Stop:

She stopped smoking. (gerund: she quit smoking)

She stopped to smoke. (infinitive: she paused what she was doing to smoke)

General Rules:

Gerunds are used after prepositions and with certain verbs (enjoy, avoid, suggest, etc.).

Infinitives are often used after adjectives, with certain verbs (want, decide, hope, etc.), and in sentences expressing purpose (I went to the store to buy food).

Would you like to explore more examples or discuss specific cases where gerunds and infinitives are tricky?

Gerunds after certain verbs

In addition, gerunds are used after the following verbs: appreciate, avoid, admit, consider, delay, discuss, enjoy, fancy, finish, forgive, imagine, keep (= continue), mention, mind (=object to), postpone, quit, regret, suggest

Gerunds after the verb go

Gerunds follow the verb go in certain idiomatic expressions. 

These expressions mostly express recreational activities. Examples are:

• go boarding
• go camping
• go canoeing
• go dancing
• go fishing
• go hiking
• go shopping
• go skating

Gerunds after certain expressions

The following expressions are followed by gerunds:

• I’m busy
• It’s no use
• It’s (not) worth
• can’t help
• there is no point
• have fun
• have a great time
• spend / waste time
• sit / stand / lie + expression of place
• find / catch + someone

Gerund or passive infinitive after need

As shown above, the verb need is usually followed by to infinitive.

• We need to update the software.
• She needs to find a new job.

The verb need can also be followed by passive infinitive or gerund, particularly when it expresses fixing or improving.

– need + passive infinitive:

• The machine needs to be fixed.
• The house needs to be furnished.

– need + gerund

• The machine needs fixing.
• The house needs furnishing.

Verbs that may be followed by either gerund or infinitive

Certain verbs may be followed by either the ing form of verb or to-infinitive.

These verbs fall under two groups with regards to whether or not there is a difference in meaning when followed by a gerund or infinitive.

Group 1: with no or little difference in meaning

The following verbs can be followed by either gerunds or infinitives with no difference in meaning between the two.

• begin     
• start
• continue
• hate
• like
• love
• prefer
• hate
• can’t stand / can’t bear

Note:

If the main verb is in the continuous (progressive) form, it is followed by a to infinitive (not a gerund).

• It began raining. = It began to rain.
• It’s beginning to rain. NOT It’s beginning raining.

With verbs of likes/dislikes, the gerund focuses on the action or experience in general, but the to-infinitive focuses on the habit or preference in a particular situation.

• I like being on time. (= emphasis on the action of being on time.)
• I like to be on time. (= emphasis on the habit.)

Note:

When we talk about what we want to do or when we invite or suggest, we use would like + to-infinitive.

The gerund is not used in this case.

Group 2: with difference in meaning

forget

• I forgot to lock the door. (did not remember to do something)
• I forgot locking the door. (forgot a past event)

remember

• He remembered to send the invitation. (remembered to do something)
• He remembered sending the invitation. (remembered a past event)

try

• They tried to cross the river. (attempted; did their best)
• Why don’t you try changing the battery. (did something as an experiment)

stop

• I stopped to eat a sandwich. (stopped doing something for a while to do something else)
• I stopped eating when the power was cut off. (ended; finished doing something)

regret

• I regret to inform you that your application cannot be accepted. (feel sorry)
• He regretted refusing the job offer. (felt sorry about a past event after giving it a second thought).

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