Gerund or infinitive

 Gerund or Infinitive?


In English, verbs can be followed by either a gerund (verb + -ing) or an infinitive (to + base verb). But how do you know which one to use? Let’s break it down!


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What is a gerund?


A gerund is the -ing form of a verb that acts like a noun.


Examples:

    •    I enjoy reading.

    •    Swimming is good exercise.


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What is an infinitive?


An infinitive is the base form of the verb with to.


Examples:

    •    I want to learn English.

    •    She needs to study more.


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When do we use gerunds?


We use gerunds after certain verbs, like:

    •    enjoy

    •    avoid

    •    finish

    •    mind

    •    suggest

    •    keep

    •    dislike

    •    practice


Examples:

    •    They enjoy traveling.

    •    She avoids eating junk food.

    •    I don’t mind waiting.


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When do we use infinitives?


We use infinitives after certain verbs, like:

    •    want

    •    need

    •    hope

    •    decide

    •    plan

    •    learn

    •    promise

    •    expect


Examples:

    •    I want to go to the beach.

    •    He decided to study medicine.

    •    We plan to visit next week.


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Some verbs can use both (but the meaning changes):

    •    Remember doing something = you remember the action from the past.

I remember meeting her at the party.

    •    Remember to do something = you remember that you need to do it.

Remember to call your mom!


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Common mistake to avoid:

    •    I enjoy to swim ❌

    •    I enjoy swimming ✅


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Final tip:


When learning new verbs, try to memorize them with the correct form:

    •    enjoy + gerund

    •    want + infinitive




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