*Gerunds or Infinitives

To figure out whether we should use a gerund or an infinitive in a sentence, we need to know what both are.

You can check out these links on gerunds and infinitives for more information. Here is a recap.

A gerund is a noun made from a verb by adding "ing" at the end.

The gerund form of the verb "read" is "reading."

You can use a gerund as

• the subject (thing doing the action / being talked about): Reading is good.
• the complement (completing the sentence): Her favourite hobby is reading.
• or the object of a sentence (receiver of the action): I enjoy reading.

The infinitive is the "to" form of the verb, and is also a noun.

The infinitive form of "learn" is "to learn."

You can use an infinitive as 

• the subject: To learn is important.
• the complement: The most important thing is to learn.
• or the object of a sentence: He wants to learn.

As you can see, both gerunds and infinitives can be nouns, which means they can do just about anything that a noun can do. 

They can be used as the subject or the complement of a sentence, although they normally name activities rather than people or objects.

However, as subjects or complements, a very noticeable difference is that gerunds usually sound more common, more like normal, spoken English. On the other hand, infinitives sound more... abstract. They emphasize the possibility or potential for something to happen, and overall, they sound more philosophical. If this sounds confusing, just remember that 90% of the time, you will use a gerund as the subject or complement of a sentence.

• Learning is important. - Gerund, normal subject.
• To learn is important. - Infinitive, abstract subject.

As the object of a sentence, it is more difficult to choose between using a gerund or an infinitive. In such situations, gerunds and infinitives are not normally interchangeable. Usually, the main verb in the sentence determines whether you use a gerund or an infinitive.

• He enjoys swimming. - "enjoy" requires a Gerund.
• He wants to swim. - "want" requires an Infinitive.

For this reason, we need to find out and know the common verbs used with either gerunds or infinitives.

Here are some lists of verbs that might help you determine whether gerunds or infinitives should be used

The "Could-be-followed-by-gerund-or-infinitive-and-virtually-makes-no-difference-in-meaning" List:

attempt begin continue hate

like love neglect prefer

regret can't stand stand start

Example:

• I like to play basketball in the park.
• I like playing basketball in the park.

The "Could-be-followed-by-gerund-or-infinitive-and-but-has-different-meanings" List:

forget

remember

stop

Example:

• I stopped smoking.
• I stopped to smoke.

The "Could-be-followed-by-gerund-or-simple-verb-and-needs-a-second-subject" List:

feel hear listen to

look at notice observe

overhear see watch

Example:

• I heard Sam singing.
• I heard Sam sing... (Sam is the second subject)

Gerunds accompany a form of the verb to go in many idiomatic expressions: Let's go shopping. We went jogging yesterday. She goes bowling every Friday night.

The "Followed-by-a-gerund" List:

Initiation, Completion and Incompletion
anticipate avoid begin cease complete	delay finish get through give up postpone	quit risk start stop try
Communication
admit advise deny discuss	encourage mention recommend	report suggest urge
Continuing Action
continue can't help	practice involve	keep keep on
Emotion
appreciate dislike enjoy hate like	love mind don't mind miss prefer	regret can't stand resent resist tolerate
Mental Process
anticipate consider forget	imagine recall remember	see can't see understand

Example:

• I gave up trying.

The "Followed-by-an-infinitive-but-also-followed-by-a-gerund-if-describing-an-actual-vivid-or-fulfilled-action" List:

Emotion
care desire hate	hate like loathe	love regret yearn
Choice or Intent
agree choose decide decide expect	hope intend need plan prefer	prepare propose refuse want wish
Initiation, Completion, Incompletion
begin cease commence fail	get hesitate manage neglect	start try undertake
Mental Process
forget know how	learn	remember
Request and Promise
demand offer	promise swear	threaten vow
Intransitives
appear happen	seem	tend
Miscellaneous
afford arrange	claim continue	pretend wait

Example:

• We decided to leave. - infinitive
• They began farming the land. - gerund

The "Followed-by-an-infinitive-but-accompanied-by-a-second-object" List:

Communication
advise ask beg challenge command convince	forbid invite order permit persuade promise	remind require tell warn urge
Instruction
encourage help	instruct teach	train
Causing
allow cause choose	force get hire	need would like
Miscellaneous
dare expect	trust prepare	want

Example:

• They taught the children to swim.

Exercise 1:
1. Mary enjoys ___________________ to music. (listen)
2. I don’t mind ___________________ the washing up. (do)
3. Irregular verbs are not easy ___________________ . (remember)
4. Mathew is really good at ___________________ . (cook)
5. She waited ___________________ a movie ticket. (buy)
6. The doctor encouraged his patients ___________________ healthy food. (eat)
7. My flat is easy ___________________ . (find)
8. She is interested in ___________________ a doctor. (become)
9. He is saving money ___________________ a new car. (buy)
10. When I met her I couldn’t help ___________________ her. (hug)
11. My favorite hobby is ___________________ . (cook)
12. My father helped me ___________________ my homework. (do)
13. I’m sick of ___________________ hamburgers every day. (eat)
14. It is important ___________________ the net for more information. (surf)
15. She advised me ___________________ a doctor as soon as possible. (see)
16. I don’t feel like ___________________ English today. (study)
17. Isabel got Mike ___________________ her car (wash)
18. ___________________ sport every day is good for your health. (do)
19. At last they decided ___________________ the apartment. (rent)
20. I pretended ___________________ asleep. (be)
21. Sheila stopped ___________________ hello to her friends. (say)
22. It’s no use ___________________ over spilt milk. (cry)
23. The following questions are easy ___________________ . (answer)
24. She told us where ___________________ the necessary material. (find)
25. Would you mind ___________________ this letter for me? (post)
26. They suggested ___________________ by bus. (travel)
27. We plan ___________________ to Europe this summer(go)
28. It was hard for her ___________________ smoking. (quit)
29. We were all happy about ___________________ the New Year in Vienna. (celebrate)
30. It seems difficult ___________________ everything about the topic. (know)
31. Just avoid ___________________ unnecessary mistakes. (make)
32. Can you imagine ___________________ my car before we leave? (finish)
33. We are used ___________________ up early in the morning. (get)
34. She enjoys ___________________ . (paint)
35. I forgot ___________________ the door when I left. (lock)
36. I regret ___________________ you that your application was rejected. (inform)
37. We intend ___________________ you next spring. (visit)
38. I decided ___________________ more often. (exercise)
39. Mary keeps ___________________ about her problems. (talk)
40. Ireland doesn’t allow ___________________ in bars. (smoke)
41. Nancy seemed ___________________ disappointed. (be)
42. I can’t bear ___________________ so much responsibility. (have)
43. She is fond of ___________________ picnics. (have)
44. She promised ___________________ smoking. (stop)
45. They urge their citizens ___________________ more waste. (recycle)
46. John is thinking about ___________________ abroad. (study)
47. She considered ___________________ to New York. (move)
48. The aquarium needs ___________________ . (clean)
49. Tom agrees ___________________ me. (help)
50. She warned him ___________________ late. (not be)

Exercise 2:


1. I can’t imagine __________________ at home. (work)
2. We have decided against __________________ a new car. (buy)
3. She seems __________________ her new job. (like)
4. The students hope __________________ the exam. (pass)
5. He won’t go by plane. He is afraid of __________________ . (fly)
6. I am lazy. I don’t feel like __________________ any work. (do)
7. Remember __________________ the letter. Otherwise they won’t get it by Saturday. (post)
8. Have you ever learned how __________________ such a plane? (fly)
9. They were too lazy __________________ out with us. (go)
10. I always enjoy __________________ to my grandfather. He always tells me great stories. (talk)
11. I’m very interested in __________________ French. (learn)
12. My pen friend is coming next Friday. I’m really looking forward __________________ her. (meet)
13. Don’t you mind __________________ away from your family for such a long time? (be)
14. The children promised __________________ back by nine. (be)
15. I wanted to go alone but Joe insisted on __________________ with me. (come)
16. Tom offered __________________ me home. (bring)
17. Why not __________________ a weekend in Scotland? (spend)
18. I’m sorry I can’t come to your party but thank you for __________________ me. (invite)
19. Our neighbors apologized for __________________ such noise. (make)
20. Paris is always worth __________________ to. (travel)
21. I’m sure I gave him back the money. I remember __________________ it back to him. (give)
22. She eventually managed __________________ her bike. (repair)
23. Would you like __________________ a cup of coffee? (drink)
24. There’s no point in __________________ the matter. He has already made his decision. (discuss)
25. I prefer __________________ to skiing. (snowboard)
26. Do you mind __________________ Anita to the doctor? (bring)
27. It is difficult __________________ him. (understand)
28. We had difficulties __________________ your house. (find)
29. They decided __________________ Tennis in the afternoon. (play)
30. We expect him __________________ us on Sunday. (join)

Exercise 3:

1. ________________ is not allowed here. (fish)
2. I heard the TV set ________________ . (explode)
3. She appeared ________________ very nervous. (be)
4. I keep ________________ you - it was an accident. (tell)
5. Jack is good at ________________ ceilings. (paint)
6. She wondered who ________________ . (ask)
7. It is difficult ________________ him. (understand)
8. She did not know what ________________ from them. (expect)
9. My wife warned us ________________ the table. (not touch)
10. He refused ________________ me what all the fuss was about. (tell)
11. There’s no sense in ________________ him. He’s not at home. (visit)
12. Elephants are known ________________ a fantastic memory. (have)
13. I let her ________________ on with her work. (get)
14. Colin had no idea of how ________________ into the house. (get)
15. I’d rather ________________ in bed than go to work. (be)
16. I crossed the road without ________________ . (look)
17. We advised her ________________ a year abroad. (not spend)
18. I always dreamed of ________________ in a small house by the seaside. (live)
19. She made us ________________ for hours. (wait)
20. She learned ________________ pupils with respect. (treat)
21. I couldn’t help ________________ when I saw the bride in the beautiful white dress. (cry)
22. My uncle has given up ________________ and now he prefers ________________ . (smoke, eat)
23. He wasn’t used ________________ on the right side of the road. (drive)
24. Would you rather ________________ to a restaurant or eat at home. (go)
25. There was a fence ________________ people from walking on the grass. (walk)
26. I agreed ________________ him if he is in trouble. (help)
27. I’m too old ________________ my habits now. (change)
28. Please stop ________________ . You’re making me nervous. (whisper)
29. He was silly enough ________________ into the pond without ________________ first. (dive, look)
30. I enjoy ________________ alone. I never feel lonely. (be)

Exercise 4:

1. They are likely __________________ up at any time. (show)
2. The man denied __________________ the crime. (commit)
3. Their memories of __________________ in Africa will stay with them forever. (travel)
4. He has always been afraid of __________________. (fly)
5. __________________ is good for your health. (swim)
6. Would you mind __________________ me the sugar. (pass)
7. She promised __________________ the report as soon as possible. (read)
8. I had a hard time __________________ the situation to my husband. (explain)
9. She had some problems __________________ without glasses. (read)
10. Paul gave up __________________ five years ago. (smoke)
11. What about __________________ to the zoo tomorrow? (go)
12. Barca __________________ in winning the Spanish championship. (succeed)
13. They had fun __________________. (ski)
14. My friend was happy __________________ me at the party. (see)
15. He was ashamed __________________ that he had lied. (admit)
16. It was very kind of you __________________ me. (help)
17. She always wastes her time __________________ bad books. (read)
18. We had no problem __________________ from the airport to the train station. (drive)
19. She hadn’t expected this task __________________ so difficult. (be)
20. It’s no use __________________ a taxi. We’ll be late anyway. (take)
21. Don’t forget __________________ the document as soon as you are finished. (sign)
22. She made me __________________ like a real man. (feel)
23. __________________ video games all the time is very boring. (play)
24. She is fond of __________________ comics. (read)
25. Alvaro admitted __________________ during the English test. (cheat)
26. The teacher reminded us __________________ irregular verbs. (learn)
27. The boy refused __________________ what his mother said. (do)
28. Brenda really hates __________________. (study)
29. I used __________________ basketball during my college years. (play)
30. How long does it take you __________________ to the university? (walk)

Exercise 5:

1. Don't let them ___________________ (cross) that dangerous road on their own.
2. What about ___________________ (have) a last drink ?
3. They accused me of ___________________ (break) the window.
4. They'd rather ___________________ (go) to Tuscany than to Ireland.
5. There was a very good reason for ___________________ (not believe) in what he said.
6. I don't know what ___________________ (believe) anymore.
7. Remember ___________________ (phone) Tom tomorrow - OK I won't forget.
8. The teacher watched the pupil ___________________ (cheat).
9. Why not ___________________ (spend) our holiday in Florida this year ?
10. She is always the last ___________________ (arrive)
11. Most teachers insist on their pupils ___________________ (do) the homework.
12. She has often made me ___________________ (cry).
13. I expect ___________________ (hear) from you by Monday.
14. It's no use ___________________ (pretend) ___________________ (like) her food.
15. How old were you when you learnt ___________________ (drive) ?
16. I don't mind ___________________ (walk) home but I'd rather ___________________ (get) a taxi.
17. I can't make a decision. I keep ___________________ (change) my mind.
18. We had to keep him from ___________________ (fall) off the cliff.
19. He had made his decision and refused ___________________ (change) his mind.
20. It was a good holiday. I enjoyed ___________________ (be) by the sea.
21. Did I really tell you I was unhappy? I don't remember ___________________ (say) that.
22. The water here is not very good. I'd avoid ___________________ (drink) it if I were you.
23. I pretended ___________________ (be) interested in the conversation.
24. I got up and looked out of the window ___________________ (see) what the weather was like.
25. I have a friend who claims ___________________ (be) able to speak 5 languages.
26. I like ___________________ (think) carefully about things before ___________________ (make) a decision.
27. Steve used ___________________ (be) a footballer. He had to stop ___________________ (play) because of an injury.
28. How do you ___________________ (make) this machine work ? - I'm not sure. Try ___________________ (press) the button and see what happens !
29. What do you advise me ___________________ ? (do)
30. They intend ___________________ a new house next year. (buy)

Exercise 6:

1. We encouraged her __________________ (succeed in ) __________________ (become) a top player.
2. It's no good __________________ (force) him to go with us.
3. I promised __________________ (care) for the cat but I'm not much good at __________________ (babysit).
4. The people thanked me for __________________ (offer) __________________ (help) them.
5. I begged her __________________ (not accuse) me of __________________ (ruin) her hairstyle by __________________ (try) __________________ (kiss) her.
6. It is not worth __________________ (help) him __________________ (do) the job.
7. I let him __________________ (choose) between __________________ (fly) and __________________ (take) the train.
8. The film was really worth __________________ (see) so we made Mary __________________ (go) to the movies with us.
9. Her forced us __________________ (accept) his offer by __________________ (raise) it by 5 %.
10. Normally I enjoy __________________ (go) out but today I'd prefer __________________ (stay) indoors.
11. She promised __________________ (not object) to his __________________ (smoke).
12. They continued __________________ (eat) after the interruption.
13. I am not in the habit of __________________ (smoke) in the car.
14. Ann reminded me __________________ (finish) my work on time.
15. He'd better __________________ (get) used to __________________ (work) harder.
16. I am capable of __________________ (stand) on my head and __________________ (play) the saxophone.
17. You'd better __________________ (start) __________________ (dig) the garden.
18. I expected someone __________________ (pick) up these papers.
19. The Romans were quite happy about Hannibal __________________ (not attack) Rome.
20. It was interesting __________________ (watch) our cat __________________ (play).
21. We have taught our children __________________ (wash) their hands before __________________ (eat).
22. __________________ (write) letters is more boring than __________________ (phone).
23. Jack decided __________________ (have) a break from work.
24. I refused __________________ (speak) with them.
25. We agreed __________________ (meet) them at the airport.
26. There is no sense in __________________ (earn) more money than you can __________________ (spend).
27. They made us __________________ (leave) the campsite after __________________ (make) such a mess.
28. "Do you mind __________________ (work) overtime ?, " asked the boss
29. She has never known how __________________ (fry) a steak.
30. The doctor made him __________________ (promise) __________________ (reduce) his __________________ (smoke).