Some verbs are generally followed by the gerund when used in a general sense
The to-infinitive is often used for a particular situation.
I like swimming , but I don ’ t like to swim on cold days.
The Gerund is formed by adding “ ing ” to the base form of a verb
The Gerund can be used…
As a noun
Running is my favourite sport. (subject)
He tried running faster. (object)
She was afraid of losing . (object of preposition)
After adjectives + preposition
accustomed to capable of
fond of afraid of
successful in good at
tired of interested in
She is accustomed to training for many hours.
He is good at running the 200 meters race.
enjoy - ing -
My brother admitted breaking the vase.
I avoid walking on busy streets.
The school delayed opening this morning.
I finish doing my homework.
After 4 hours, he keeps standing there.
Would you mind lending your pen to me.
I deny doing a wrong thing
I deny being late to school every day.
I deny talking during the lesson.
I enjoy playing computer games.
admit can ’ t help finish
keep try enjoy
advise keep dislike
appreciate mind avoid
understand suggest forgive
John has finished repairing his bicycle.
They enjoy walking in the evening.
Mary dislikes swimming in winter.
I enjoy to swim. Which is correct ? I enjoy swimming. right
I want to study . Which is correct ? I want studying . right
I finish to eat . Which is correct ? I finish eating . right
I need to study . Which is correct ? I need studying . right
I hope to study . Which is correct ? I hope studying . right
I stopped to smoke . Which is correct ? I stopped smoking . right
Some verbs can be followed by either an infinitive or a gerund , with NO DIFFERENCE IN MEANING
I like to read / I like reading
Some verbs can be followed by either an infinitive or a gerund , but THEIR MEANINGS ARE NOT THE SAME
I will remember to call her. (I will be sure to call her in the future.)
I remember calling her. (I have the memory of calling her in the past.)
Gerunds are often used when actions are real,
concrete or completed:
I stopped smoking. (The smoking was real and happened until I stopped.)
Infinitives are often used when actions are unreal, abstract, or future:
I stopped to smoke. (I was doing something else, and I stopped; the smoking had not happened yet.)
Summary table for (to) infinitive and gerund To infinitive Gerund (-ing forms)
Use as subject
Eg: To smoke is bad for you.
Use as subject (more common)
Eg: Smoking is bad for you.
To say why we do things
Eg: I got up early to catch the 7am train.
After prepositions (on, in, before, for, without, after … etc.)
Eg: You can ’ t live without eating.
Eg: Thank you for listening.
3. After some verbs (expect, afford, want, need, prepare, refuse, choose, fail, learn, promise, hesitate...etc) Eg: I expect to pass the exams. 3. After some verbs (eg: dislike, enjoy, practise, mind, avoid, consider, discuss, finish, keep, miss, suggest, keep, can ’ t help … etc) Eg: I ’ ll finish studying in June.
Summary table for (to) infinitive and gerund To infinitive Gerund (ing forms) 4. After some adjectives and nouns : Adj = easy, happy, glad, nice, excited, ready, difficult, dangerous ...etc; Noun = work , money to spend, something to drink, different ways to protect her. … etc) Eg: She is ready to leave. (adj) Eg: I am glad to see you. (adj) Eg: I ’ ve got work to do. (n)
After phrasal verbs:
Eg: I am not good at dancing.
Eg: I am not interested in singing.
Eg: John will give up smoking.
5. Some verbs can be followed by either gerund or (to) infinitive: Eg: I love going to school/I love to go to school 5. Eg: Begin, continue, hate, love, start … etc.
Summary table for (to) infinitive and gerund To infinitive Gerund (ing forms) 6. Used in general sense (Eg: love, like, hate, prefer..etc) Eg: I like swimming.
Used in particular situations
Eg: I don ’ t like swimming on cold days.
No + gerund
Eg: No money, no talking.
* Some words can use both to-infinitive and gerund with the same meaning. ( Eg: love, like, begin, start, intend, continue..etc)
Stop + gerund.
Eg: Stop talking, stop writing, stop walking … etc.
* Some words can use both to-infinitive and gerund with different meaning. (Eg: remember, try..etc)