Gerunds and Infinitives

We should know the difference between gerund and infinitive. Because it is a little difficult to use gerunds and infinitives.

We can use gerunds [verb + ing]: after prepositions, as the subject/object of a sentence, after certain verbs.

Example:

• He gave me the book before leaving. [after preposition]
• Smoking is a bed habit. [as a subject]
• I dislike waiting for you. [after certain verb]

We can use “to” + infinitives: after adjectives, to show purpose, after certain verbs.

Example:

• It is easy to say but difficult to do. [after adjective]
• I have come here to see you. [to show purpose]
• We decided to marry. [certain verb]

Here are some verbs that can be used in gerunds

• Avoid: I avoided talking to her.
• Dislike: I dislike walking on the street.
• Finish: He has finished preparing for the examination
• Discuss: We discussed living together.
• Enjoy: I enjoy singing.

Verbs like: miss, practice, mind, appreciate, consider, risk, admit, deny, mention, involve, complete etc.

Here are some verbs that can be used in the infinitive with “to”

• Climb: He climbed to be a singer.
• Wait: I waited to see her.
• Seem: you seemed to be nonsense.
• Offer: She offer to love me.
• Plan: I plan to buy a new car.
  
  
  
  
  
  

Verbs like: agree, ask, want, promise, hope, learn, manage, demand, choose, refuse, tend etc.

Please click here to know more about the infinitive without “to”