Gerunds vs Infinitives: Rules, Examples, and Common Verbs

Gerunds and infinitives are verb forms that function as nouns in sentences. A gerund ends in -ing (swimming, reading). An infinitive is to + base verb (to swim, to read). Choosing between them can be confusing because it depends on the preceding verb, adjective, or noun.

What Is a Gerund?

A gerund looks like a verb but functions as a noun. It can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.

Swimming is good exercise. (subject)

I enjoy reading. (object)

My favorite activity is hiking. (complement)

Gerunds are also used after prepositions: Thank you for helping me. He left without saying goodbye.

What Is an Infinitive?

An infinitive is the base form of a verb preceded by to. It can also function as a noun, adjective, or adverb.

To travel is my dream. (noun — subject)

I want to learn Spanish. (noun — object)

I have a book to read. (adjective — modifies book)

He called to apologize. (adverb — explains why)

Verbs Followed by Gerunds

Some verbs are always followed by a gerund (not an infinitive). Here are the most common ones:

Enjoy, avoid, suggest, consider, admit, deny, finish, quit, practice, miss, imagine, mind, postpone, risk, recommend, resist, tolerate, understand.

I enjoy cooking. She avoided answering. He suggested waiting.

Some common phrases also take gerunds: can't help, can't stand, don't mind, give up, keep on, look forward to, be/get used to, spend time.

I look forward to meeting you. (note: to is a preposition here, not part of an infinitive)

Verbs Followed by Infinitives

Many verbs are followed by an infinitive. Here are the most common ones:

Want, need, hope, expect, plan, decide, promise, offer, refuse, agree, appear, seem, pretend, tend, manage, fail, afford, attempt, choose, deserve, learn, prepare, pretend, threaten, wish.

I want to go. She hopes to visit. They decided to stay.

Verbs Followed by Object + Infinitive

Some verbs require an object before the infinitive:

Tell, ask, advise, encourage, invite, order, remind, warn, persuade, force, allow, expect, need, want, would like.

She told me to wait. He advised her to apply. They encouraged us to continue.

Verbs That Take Both (Same Meaning)

Some verbs can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive with no significant change in meaning.

Begin, start, continue, like, love, hate, prefer, intend.

I like swimming. = I like to swim.

It started raining. = It started to rain.

Verbs That Take Both (Different Meaning)

Some verbs change meaning depending on whether a gerund or infinitive follows. These are the trickiest cases.

Stop + gerund = quit doing something. Stop + infinitive = pause one action to do another.

I stopped smoking. (I quit) vs I stopped to smoke. (I paused to smoke)

Remember + gerund = recall a past action. Remember + infinitive = not forget a future action.

I remember meeting her. (past) vs Remember to meet her. (future)

Forget + gerund = not recall a past action. Forget + infinitive = not remember a future task.

I'll never forget seeing the ocean. (past) vs Don't forget to lock the door. (future)

Try + gerund = experiment. Try + infinitive = make an effort.

Try adding more salt. (experiment) vs Try to arrive on time. (make an effort)

Regret + gerund = feel sorry about the past. Regret + infinitive = be sorry to inform.

I regret saying that. (past) vs I regret to inform you. (formal announcement)

Gerunds and Infinitives as Subjects

Both gerunds and infinitives can be subjects, but gerunds are more common and natural at the start of a sentence. Infinitives as subjects often sound formal or philosophical.

Learning a language takes time. (natural)

To learn a language takes time. (formal)

In modern English, it is more common to start with it + infinitive: It takes time to learn a language.

Improve Your Grammar Skills

Mastering gerund and infinitive patterns takes practice. Use our free reading time calculator to estimate reading time for your texts and review your grammar patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a gerund and an infinitive?

A gerund ends in -ing and functions as a noun. An infinitive is to + base verb and can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb.

How do I know when to use a gerund vs an infinitive?

The choice depends on the preceding verb. Some verbs require gerunds (enjoy, avoid, suggest), some require infinitives (want, hope, decide), and some take either with the same or different meanings.

Can a gerund be the subject of a sentence?

Yes: "Swimming is fun." Gerunds are more natural than infinitives as subjects in everyday English.

What verbs change meaning with gerund vs infinitive?

Stop, remember, forget, try, regret, and go on change meaning depending on whether a gerund or infinitive follows.

Is it "go on to do" or "go on doing"?

Both exist. "Go on doing" means continue the same activity: "He went on talking." "Go on to do" means move to a new activity: "She went on to become a doctor."