1. What is a gerund?
A gerund is a verb ending in "-ing" and serves as a noun in sentences (running, swimming, reading). Do not confound gerunds with present participles. They both have the same form, but they have different functions.
While gerunds act as nouns, present participles come after a verb to indicate ongoing or continuous actions. Unlike gerunds, present participles can act as adjectives or verbs. For example, in the sentence "The audience enjoyed the thrilling movie last night.", thrilling acts as an adjective and modifies the noun movie. Thus, it is a present participle.
| Gerund | Present participle |
|---|---|
| Swimming is a great workout. | They are swimming in the pool. |
| Reading enriches the mind. | She was reading a book when the light flickered and went out. |
| Dancing can be a professional career. | He was dancing and singing at the same time. |
| Painting requires patience. | She is painting a landscape. |
| Not smoking is important for your health. | He is not smoking. |
| Writing clearly is essential for communication. | He has been writing his thesis for the past three months. |
2. What is an infinitive?
An infinitive is a verb’s base form preceded by to (to run, to swim, to read). However, infinitives do not act as verbs and sentences containing them must include at least one conjugated verb. To form negative infinitives, we put not in front of them (not to smoke, not to ignore, not to swim).
- Do you want to eat anything?
- I advise you to stay out of this.
- I really want you not to stay there anymore.
- We are here to help you.
Both gerunds and infinitives can act as a sentence’s subject or object. These forms of verbs, known as verbals, can be accompanied by modifiers, objects, and complements, creating verbal phrases.
3. Rules
3.1. Verb + preposition + gerund
Do not use an infinitive if a verb is followed by a preposition.
Examples:
✓ She talked about going to the party.
✗ Incorrect: She talked about to go to the party.
✓ They insisted on leaving early.
✗ Incorrect: They insisted on to leave early.
✓ I’m looking forward to meeting you.
✗ Incorrect: I’m looking forward to meet you.
✓ Are you worried about missing the bus?
✗ Incorrect: Are you worried about to miss the bus?
3.2. Verb + gerund or infinitive with little or no change in meaning
Some verbs can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive with little or no change in meaning:
| Verb | Gerund | Infinitive |
|---|---|---|
| begin | She began crying. | She began to cry. |
| start | They started laughing. | They started to laugh. |
| love | He loves playing soccer with his friends. | He loves to play soccer with his friends. |
| hate | She hates going to the dentist. | She hates to go to the dentist. |
| prefer | He prefers leaving alone. | He prefers to leave alone. |
| cease | He ceased trading. | He ceased to trade. |
| neglect | He neglected paying his tax. | He neglected to pay his tax. |
| can't bear | I can't bear seeing someone suffering. | He can't bear to see someone suffer. |
| can't stand | I can't stand seeing you sad. | I can't stand to see you sad. |
| continue | She continued crying for several minutes. | She continued to cry for several minutes. |
| like | He likes dancing. | He likes to dance. |
| try | I tried baking a cake yesterday. | She tried to bake a cake yesterday |
3.3. Verb + gerund or infinitive with no change in meaning but different structure
The verbs allow, permit, advise, encourage, and forbid can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive, but require a change of structure.
- Gerund: Verb + "ing"
- Infinitive: Verb + object + infinitive
| Verb | Gerund | Infinitive |
|---|---|---|
| allow | The teacher allows eating in the classroom. | The teacher allows students to eat in the classroom. |
| permit | The owner of the house permits parking in this area. | The owner of the house permits visitors to camp in this area. |
| advise | He advises studying regularly. | He advises students to study regularly. |
| encourage | They encourage reading a book daily. | They encourage children to read a book daily. |
| forbid | The law forbids smoking in public places. | The law forbids people to smoke in public places. |
3.4. Verb + gerund or infinitive with a change in meaning
Some verbs can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive, but the meaning changes.
1. He stopped smoking.
He quit smoking.
2. He stopped to smoke.
He paused what he was doing in order to smoke.
1. I remember turning off the oven before I left.
You recall what you did (you turned off the oven before leaving).
2. Remember to turn off the oven before you leave.
Don’t forget to turn off the oven before you leave.
3. I remembered to turn off the oven before I left.
First, you remembered the task, then you turned off the oven.
1. I’ll never forget being single for such a long time.
You will always remember the experience of being single.
2. I forgot to turn off the light.
First, you forgot, then you did not turn off the light (so it stayed on).
1. I regretted being rude to her.
I wish I had not been rude to her.
2. I regret to inform you about the passing of our beloved one.
First, you feel regret, then you deliver the news (you feel sorrow about what you are about to say).
3.5. When used as subjects
When gerunds and infinitives function as the subject of a sentence, they are followed by a singular verb. However, when they are linked by and, they take the plural form of the verb.
- Swimming is a healthy exercise.
- Gardening provides many health benefits.
- Swimming and gardening are examples of two healthy recreational activities.
- To listen is the first step towards empathy.
You can add more context to your writing by including some words after the gerunds or infinitives. For example, Feeding the birds is strictly prohibited. In this sentence, Feeding the birds is a gerund phrase which acts as the subject of the sentence and gives more clarification on what is being prohibited. See more examples below.
- Swimming in the river is forbidden.
- To not trust your partner can be detrimental to your relationship.
- Shopping in this mall is really enjoyable.
- To build a strong relationship requires mutual respect and understanding.
3.6. When used as objects
Gerunds and infinitives can function as the objects of a sentence.
- I hate smoking.
- My parents love hiking.
- I want to smoke.
- We need to go.
Here also you can be more specific by adding any modifiers or complements after the gerunds or infinitives. He admitted killing his wife. In this sentence, killing his wife is a gerund phrase which clarifies who was being killed.
- My parents love hiking the Table Mountain in Cape Town.
- You need to update your computer.
- She enjoys reading mystery novels.
- I learned to play the guitar over the summer.
- He agreed to help us move next weekend.
We do not use an infinitive if a verb is followed by a preposition.
4. Common verbs followed by gerunds
He keeps talking during the movie.
She advises taking the train instead of the bus.
I couldn't resist buying the new book.
She stopped working to take a break.
We enjoyed exploring the ancient ruins.
He regrets not studying harder for the test.
We imagined living in big houses.
I miss playing the guitar.
Let's postpone making a decision until tomorrow.
She denied stealing the phone.
She finally completed painting the house.
He quit playing the guitar.
They discussed implementing a new strategy.
I anticipate getting a positive response.
Would you mind closing the window?
The athlete practised jumping every day.
He admitted making a mistake.
I don't recall seeing her at the party.
He escaped paying taxes.
She suggested going for a walk.
I will consider adopting a pet.
She risked facing the death penalty.
He recommended visiting the new museum.
He delayed starting the project.
He doesn't tolerate smoking in his house.
I appreciate having some quiet time.
5. Common verbs followed by infinitives
She decided to break up with him.
He seems to realise his mistakes.
I deserve to get a break.
He refused to comment on the rumors.
She learned to read at a very young age.
He pretended to be asleep when I entered the room.
We arranged to have dinner together tomorrow.
I need to finish my homework by tomorrow.
They offered to drive us to the airport.
She demanded to speak to the manager.
I will wait to start until everyone arrives.
They agreed to settle the dispute peacefully.
He plans to go abroad next year.
We expect to hear the results by Friday.
She consented to have her data used in the study.
He failed to secure the necessary votes.
It appears to be a valid argument.
She struggled to keep her composure.
Jack hopes to move to a new city next year.
She managed to calm him down.
He helped to clean up the kitchen after dinner.
I promise to always tell the truth.
She swore to tell the truth.
He volunteered to work at a correctional facility in the US.
I regret to inform you that the event has been cancelled.
He asked to join the committee.
She claims to have seen a celebrity at the cafe.
She wishes to attend the party next week.
I want to discuss this matter in person.
He begged to forgive him.
6. Adjective + infinitive
Certain adjectives are followed by an infinitive using the structure "Subject + be + adjective + infinitive". Here are some common examples:
She is happy to help.
They are excited to travel.
I am ready to start.
He is afraid to speak in front of many people.
We are eager to learn.
The students are anxious to take the test.
She was relieved to hear the news.
The team is determined to win.
He is reluctant to ask for help.
We are pleased to announce the results.
7. Noun + infinitive
Some nouns are followed by an infinitive to show purpose or intent. Here are some common examples:
Kylian Mbappé received an offer to join Real Madrid.
Cristiano Ronaldo's decision to move to Saudi Arabia was unexpected.
Stalin's plan to attack Germany in 1941 has not been unanimously confirmed by historians.
Did you have the opportunity to see the Alhambra when you were in Granada?.
There is a need to improve safety in this neighbourhood.
I had the chance to meet him in Paris.
They made a request to speak with the manager.
The company expressed a desire to work with us.
His attempt to climb the mountain was successful.
He made a promise to marry her.
Her effort to improve her grades paid off.
She has the ability to solve complex problems.
The thieves had the intention to kill us.
Failure to comply with the new regulation can lead to fines of up to £2000.
She asked for permission to leave early.
8. External ressources
- Verb + Infinitive with change in meaning
- Gerund + infinitive with no change in meaning
- Common verbs followed by infinitives
- Gerund or infinitive. In this video, Lucy explains in detail when to use gerunds and infinitives.