Do you know when to use gerund or infinitive in English? In this post, we’ll learn how to use them properly in less than 5 minutes.
Here is a small hint to remember it:
Hint
- Memorize when to use gerunds and use infinitive with the rest.
- We don’t use the gerunds so often.
When to use gerunds
#1 – As the Subject:
| Reading is a great way to improve your English. | Smoking is bad for your health. |
| Becoming a millionaire is a common dream for many young people today. | Painting is my favorite hobby. |
#2 – After prepositions:
| I’m interested in learning how to play the banjo. | She left without saying goodbye. |
| I’m so tired of working long hours every day. | Luca apologized for being late. |
#3 – As object after some verbs:
| I recommend practicing your gerunds and infinitives. | He insisted on coming with us. |
| She denied causing the accident. | Thank you for helping. |
Most common verbs followed by gerund
- It’s easier to memorize the list in groups
| admit anticipate appreciate avoid complete consider delay deny discuss | enjoy fancy finish imagine involve keep mention mind miss | postpone practice recall recommend report resist risk suggest tolerate understand |
Verbs followed by gerund or infinitive (without changing the meaning)
NOTICE THAT!
- Some verbs can be followed by infinitive or gerund without big changes in the meaning.
- They are usually verbs related to emotions and feelings.
- Check Verbos seguidos por gerundio o infinitivo sin mucho cambio de sentido for more!
| bear begin cease continue hate like | love neglect prefer propose stand start |
Verbs followed by gerund or infinitive (with changes in meaning)
NOTICE THAT!
- The meaning of some verbs vary A LOT if they are followed by a gerund or an infinitive.
- Check Verbos seguidos por gerundio o infinitivo que cambian de significado for more!
| forget go on mean regret | remember stop try like |
English Grammar
Now that you have learned about ‘Gerund or infinitive in less than 5 minutes’, take a look at our other English Grammar posts:
Uncountable nouns en menos de 5 minutos
Como usar At, ON y IN en menos de 5 minutos
