Gerund vs infinitive: which form follows the verb
Vocalyra teaching team · Last updated:
After an English verb, the next verb takes either the -ing form (the gerund) or to plus the base form (the infinitive). The choice depends on the first verb, so learners memorize patterns in groups.
Verbs followed by the gerund
A common group of verbs is always followed by -ing: enjoy, finish, avoid, mind, suggest, keep, practise, admit, consider and imagine. You say I enjoy cooking, never I enjoy to cook. Prepositions also take the gerund: thank you for coming, she is good at listening.
Verbs followed by the infinitive
Another group takes to plus the verb: want, decide, hope, promise, learn, agree, plan, offer, refuse and afford. You say we decided to leave early. After adjectives the infinitive is also normal: it is hard to say, happy to help.
| Verb + gerund | Verb + infinitive |
|---|---|
| enjoy walking | want to walk |
| avoid making mistakes | decide to wait |
| finish studying | promise to call |
| suggest going out | agree to meet |
| keep trying | learn to swim |
| mind waiting | hope to see you |
Verbs that change meaning
A few verbs accept both forms but the meaning changes. Stop smoking means you quit the habit; stop to smoke means you pause in order to smoke. Remember locking the door looks back at a past action; remember to lock the door is an instruction for the future. Try doing something is an experiment; try to do something is an effort.
A practical way to build the habit is to learn verbs in short phrases rather than alone: avoid making, finish writing, decide to leave, promise to call. Say the pair aloud until it sounds like one unit. When you meet a new verb, check a learner's dictionary for its pattern before guessing, because a wrong guess is usually the form your first language would use. Keep a small notebook with three columns, gerund, infinitive and both, and add one real sentence of your own under each entry.
Quick self-check
Choose: I enjoy (to swim / swimming) in the morning.
Show answer
swimming
Choose: She promised (to call / calling) me tonight.
Show answer
to call
Choose: He stopped (to smoke / smoking) two years ago and feels healthier.
Show answer
smoking
Choose: Thank you for (to come / coming).
Show answer
coming