Gerunds & Infinitives – What is the Difference?

Posted on Updated on English Grammar
alt="Gerunds & Infinitives"
Gerunds & Infinitives

Gerunds and infinitives are an important part of English grammar, but many learners find them confusing. Both gerunds and infinitives are formed from verbs, yet they function differently in sentences.

A gerund is a verb ending in -ing that works like a noun, while an infinitive is formed using “to + base verb.” Choosing between them can change the meaning of a sentence or make it grammatically correct or incorrect.

Understanding the difference between gerunds and infinitives helps you speak and write English more naturally and confidently.

This topic is especially useful for students, ESL learners, and exam candidates preparing for tests like IELTS or TOEFL.

In this guide, you will learn what gerunds and infinitives are, how they are used, and when to use each one correctly, with simple explanations and examples to make learning easy.

Browse our English Grammar category for more topics.

What is a Gerund?

A gerund is the -ing form of a verb that functions as a noun.

This means it can act as the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.

Here are some examples to illustrate:

Subject of a sentence:

Object of a sentence:

    • She enjoys dancing.
    • I avoid eating too much junk food.

Complement of a sentence:

    • His favorite hobby is painting.
    • Their job involves writing reports.

In each of these examples, the gerund (-ing form of the verb) acts like a noun.

Common Verbs Followed by Gerunds

Some verbs are often followed by gerunds.

Here are a few common ones:

  • Admit
  • Avoid
  • Consider
  • Discuss
  • Enjoy
  • Finish
  • Keep
  • Miss
  • Suggest

Example sentences:

  • He admitted cheating on the test.
  • They avoid traveling during the holiday season.

What is an Infinitive?

An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by the word “to.”

Infinitives can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.

Here are some examples:

As a noun:

As an adjective:

    • She has a lot of work to do.
    • There are many places to visit.

As an adverb:

    • He went home to rest.
    • She studies hard to succeed.

Common Verbs Followed by Infinitives

Some verbs are often followed by infinitives.

Here are a few common ones:

  • Agree
  • Decide
  • Expect
  • Hope
  • Learn
  • Need
  • Offer
  • Plan
  • Want

Example sentences:

  • They decided to go on vacation.
  • She hopes to get a promotion.

Explore more English grammar topics here:

Gerunds vs. Infinitives – When to Use Which?

The choice between a gerund and an infinitive can sometimes be confusing.

Here are some guidelines to help you decide which to use:

After Certain Verbs

Some verbs are followed by gerunds, some by infinitives, and some can be followed by either but with a change in meaning.

Verbs followed by gerunds:

    • Enjoy: I enjoy reading.
    • Avoid: They avoid talking to strangers.
    • Suggest: She suggested going to the park.

Verbs followed by infinitives:

    • Decide: We decided to leave early.
    • Hope: He hopes to travel soon.
    • Plan: She plans to start a new job.

Verbs that can be followed by either (with a change in meaning):

Remember:

      • I remember locking the door. (I have a memory of it)
      • Remember to lock the door. (Don’t forget to do it)

Stop:

      • He stopped smoking. (He quit the habit)
      • He stopped to smoke. (He paused another activity in order to smoke)

After Prepositions

When a verb follows a preposition, it should be in the gerund form:

  • She is good at playing the piano.
  • They are interested in learning French.
  • He left without saying goodbye.

As Subjects or Objects

Gerunds can act as the subject or object of a sentence, while infinitives often indicate the purpose or intent:

  • Swimming is fun. (Gerund as subject)
  • I like to swim. (Infinitive as object)

Expressing Purpose

Infinitives are often used to express the purpose of an action:

  • She went to the store to buy milk.
  • He studied hard to pass the exam.

Fixed Expressions

Some expressions are fixed and use gerunds or infinitives:

  • It’s no use crying over spilled milk. (Fixed expression with gerund)
  • I can’t wait to see you. (Fixed expression with infinitive)

Practice Makes Perfect

Understanding when to use gerunds and infinitives takes practice.

Here are some tips to help you master this part of English grammar:

Learn Common Verbs and Their Patterns:

    • Make a list of verbs that are commonly followed by gerunds and another list for those followed by infinitives. Practice using them in sentences.

Read and Listen:

    • Pay attention to how gerunds and infinitives are used in books, articles, movies, and conversations. This will help you get a feel for which form to use.

Practice Writing:

    • Write sentences or short paragraphs using both gerunds and infinitives. This will help reinforce what you’ve learned.

Use Flashcards:

    • Create flashcards with verbs on one side and example sentences on the other. This can help you memorize which verbs are followed by gerunds and which by infinitives.

Speak:

    • Practice speaking with native speakers or fellow learners. Use gerunds and infinitives in your conversations to become more comfortable with them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes learners make with gerunds and infinitives, and how to avoid them:

Using the Wrong Form After Certain Verbs:

    • Incorrect: I enjoy to read.
    • Correct: I enjoy reading.

Using the Wrong Form After Prepositions:

    • Incorrect: She is good at to sing.
    • Correct: She is good at singing.

Forgetting to Use “to” with Infinitives:

    • Incorrect: He decided go home.
    • Correct: He decided to go home.

Confusing Gerunds and Infinitives in Purpose Statements:

    • Incorrect: I went to the store buying milk.
    • Correct: I went to the store to buy milk.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between gerunds and infinitives is crucial for mastering English.

While it may seem complicated at first, with practice and exposure, it will become more intuitive.

Remember:

  • Gerunds (-ing form) act as nouns and often follow certain verbs and prepositions.
  • Infinitives (to + base form) can act as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs and are often used to express purpose.

Keep practicing, pay attention to patterns in the language, and soon you’ll feel more confident using gerunds and infinitives correctly.

FAQs About Gerunds and Infinitives in English

What is a gerund in English?

A gerund is a verb ending in -ing that functions as a noun in a sentence.

What is an infinitive in English?

An infinitive is the base form of a verb with “to” (to + verb), such as to eat or to learn.

What is the main difference between gerunds and infinitives?

Gerunds act like nouns, while infinitives can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.

When do we use gerunds?

We use gerunds:

  • As subjects
  • As objects
  • After prepositions
    Example: Swimming is fun.

When do we use infinitives?

We use infinitives:

  • To show purpose
  • After certain verbs
    Example: She went to the store to buy milk.

Which verbs are followed by gerunds?

Common verbs include:

  • Enjoy
  • Avoid
  • Suggest
  • Consider

Which verbs are followed by infinitives?

Common verbs include:

  • Decide
  • Plan
  • Want
  • Hope

Can some verbs take both gerunds and infinitives?

Yes, but sometimes the meaning changes.
Example:

  • I remember locking the door.
  • Remember to lock the door.

What form do we use after prepositions?

We use the gerund (-ing form).
Example: She is good at singing.

How do gerunds function in a sentence?

They can act as:

  • Subject
  • Object
  • Complement

What are common mistakes with gerunds and infinitives?

Common mistakes include:

  • Using infinitives after prepositions
  • Using wrong verb patterns
  • Forgetting “to” with infinitives

How can I practice gerunds and infinitives?

You can practice by writing sentences, learning verb patterns, and using them in daily conversation.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Manoj Sharma, an English teacher and soft skills trainer with over 10 years of experience helping students, job seekers, and professionals improve their English communication skills with confidence. I hold an M.A. in English Literature and am passionate about making English learning simple, practical, and enjoyable.

Through Love You English, I share easy-to-understand lessons on spoken English, grammar, vocabulary, phrasal verbs, and daily-use English. My teaching style focuses on real-life communication and practical learning techniques that help learners speak naturally and confidently in everyday situations.

Thousands of learners visit Love You English every month to improve their fluency, build confidence, and communicate more effectively in English.

Related Posts

  • What Are Modifiers? How to Use Them Correctly, With Examples

    Updated on English Grammar

    Modifiers are words or phrases that give more information about other words in a sentence. They help make your sentences clearer, more detailed, and more interesting. Without modifiers, your writing can sound simple or incomplete. For example, compare “She has a car” with “She has a red sports car.” The words “red” and “sports” are modifiers because they add extra details. In English grammar, modifiers usually describe nouns or verbs. Adjectives modify nouns, and adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. However, when modifiers are placed incorrectly, they can create confusion. Mistakes like misplaced modifiers or dangling modifiers can change the meaning of a sentence completely. In this complete guide, you will learn what modifiers are, the different types, and how to use them correctly….

  • Past Continuous Tense: How and When to Use It

    Updated on English Grammar

    The past continuous tense is an important part of English grammar and is commonly used in both spoken and written English. Many learners feel confused about when to use the past continuous instead of the simple past tense. This tense is mainly used to talk about actions that were in progress at a specific time in the past or when another action happened. In this blog post, you will learn how to form the past continuous tense and understand when to use it correctly. I will explain the rules in simple language and show clear examples to make learning easy. This guide is especially useful for students, exam learners, and anyone who wants to improve their English grammar. By the end of this post, you…

  • ·

    How to Use “Could Get,” “Should Get,” and “Would Get”

    Updated on English Vocabulary, English Grammar

    How to Use “Could Get,” “Should Get,” and “Would Get” How to Use “Could Get,” “Should Get,” and “Would Get” is a simple grammar guide that helps English learners understand the correct use of these common verb combinations. Many students feel confused about when to use could, should, and would with get, especially in spoken English. This article explains the differences clearly with easy explanations and practical examples. It is ideal for beginners and intermediate learners who want to improve sentence accuracy and fluency. Learning these forms helps learners express possibility, advice, and imagined situations more naturally in everyday conversations and writing. What Are Modal Verbs? Before we dive into “could get,” “should get,” and “would get,” let’s understand what makes these phrases special. They…

  • ·

    Although vs Even Though – What’s the Difference?

    Updated on English Grammar, English Vocabulary

    English has many words that look similar but are used slightly differently, and although and even though are two such examples. Both are conjunctions used to show contrast, but they differ in strength, emphasis, and usage. Understanding this difference helps learners write more clearly and speak more naturally. In this lesson, “Although vs Even Though – What’s the Difference?”, you will learn the meanings of both expressions, how they are used in sentences, and when to choose one over the other. The explanations are clear and easy to follow, with practical examples for better understanding. Whether you are a student, ESL learner, or English teacher, this guide will help you avoid common mistakes and use although and even though correctly in everyday and academic English….

  • What Are Singular Nouns, and How Do They Work?

    Updated on English Grammar

    Singular nouns are one of the first grammar concepts every English learner studies. A singular noun refers to one person, place, animal, or thing. For example, “book,” “teacher,” “city,” and “dog” are all singular nouns because they talk about just one item. Understanding singular nouns is important because they help you build correct sentences from the beginning. Singular nouns work closely with verbs and articles. For example, we say “a cat is sleeping,” not “a cat are sleeping.” This connection between singular nouns and singular verbs is very important in English grammar. Singular nouns can also change form when they become plural, which is another key rule learners need to understand. In this beginner-friendly guide, you will learn what singular nouns are, how they function…

  • English Grammar Exercises for Beginners to Improve English Grammar

    Updated on English Grammar

    Grammar is one of the building blocks of learning English, but many beginners find grammar rules confusing and difficult to remember. The good news is that regular practice with simple exercises can make grammar easier and help you speak and write more confidently. In this guide, “English Grammar Exercises for Beginners to Improve English Grammar,” you will find easy exercises, practical examples, and beginner-friendly activities designed to strengthen your understanding of English grammar. From sentence structure and tenses to prepositions and common mistakes, these exercises will help you build a strong foundation step by step. Whether you are a student, ESL learner, or beginner starting your English journey, these grammar exercises will help you improve accuracy, boost confidence, and develop better communication skills. Why Grammar…