Gerunds vs Infinitives
Some verbs are followed by a gerund (-ing form) and others by an infinitive (to + verb). The choice depends on the first verb, and a few verbs change meaning depending on which form follows.
Level B2
Verbs & Verb Patterns
Summary
- Some verbs are followed by a gerund (-ing form) and others by an infinitive (to + verb). The choice depends on the first verb, and a few verbs change meaning depending on which form follows.
Structure
verb + gerund (-ing) | verb + to + base verb
Examples
- I enjoy reading before bed.
- She decided to leave early.
- He stopped smoking last year.
- We are looking forward to seeing you.
Common mistakes
- • Use the gerund after prepositions: NOT 'good at to cook' → 'good at cooking.'
- • Learn which verbs take which form: 'enjoy doing' (not 'enjoy to do'), 'want to do' (not 'want doing').
Related
More verbs & verb patterns
Used To (Past Habits and States)
A2
Use 'used to' to talk about habits or states that were true in the past but are not true now.
Phrasal Verbs (Introduction)
B1
A phrasal verb is a verb combined with a particle (like up, off, on, out) that often creates a new meaning. Some can be separated by their object, and some cannot.
Have Got
A2
'Have got' is a common British way to talk about possession, relationships, and characteristics. It means the same as 'have' but forms questions and negatives without 'do'.
Imperatives
A1
Imperatives give orders, instructions, invitations, and warnings. They use the base form of the verb with no subject; for negatives, put 'don't' first.
Like, Love, Hate + Verb-ing
A2
After verbs of liking and disliking such as like, love, enjoy, and hate, we usually use the -ing form of the next verb to talk about activities in general.
Be: Present Forms
A1
The verb 'be' has three present forms: am, is, and are. It links the subject to a description, identity, or location.