Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Gerunds (-ing) and Infinitives (to) turn verbs into nouns, but their usage depends entirely on the preceding verb or preposition.
- Use gerunds after prepositions and certain verbs like 'suggest' or 'enjoy'. Example: 'He suggested going.'
- Use infinitives after adjectives and verbs like 'decide' or 'hope'. Example: 'I decided to stay.'
- Some verbs change meaning entirely depending on which form follows. Example: 'Stop to smoke' vs 'Stop smoking'.
Overview
Gerunds（動名詞）と Infinitives（不定詞）の使い分けをマスターすることは、単なる文法知識の習得以上の意味を持ちます。それは、自分の意図を正確に、かつネイティブスピーカーのような自然な響きで伝えるための「表現の精密機器」を手に入れるようなものです。like の後は -ing でも to でもどちらでも良い」といった大まかな理解で十分だったかもしれません。しかし、プロフェッショナルなビジネスシーンや学術的な議論、あるいは洗練された日常会話においては、この二つの形態が持つ「意味の重み」や「心理的な距離感」の違いを理解しているかどうかが、コミュニケーションの質を決定づけます。- 1Gerunds (-ing): 行為そのものの「プロセス」や「経験」、「生き生きとした躍動感」に焦点を当てます。心理的には「現在進行中のこと」や「過去に既に行ったこと」と結びつきやすい性質があります。
- 2Infinitives (to + base form):
toという前置詞が持つ「〜へ向かう」という方向性からも分かる通り、「未来の可能性」「目的」「抽象的な概念」に焦点を当てます。心理的には「これから起こること」や「まだ実現していない目標」と強く結びつきます。
-ing) | Infinitives (to do) |- Gerunds (-ing): 基本的に動詞の原形に
-ingを付けます。 running(短母音＋子音字で終わる場合は最後の子音を重ねる)making(eで終わる場合はeを取って-ing)lying(ieで終わる場合はyに変えて-ing)
- Infinitives (to + base form):
to＋ 動詞の原形。主語の人称や時制によって形が変わることはありません。
- Bare Infinitives (原形不定詞):
toを伴わない動詞の原形。使役動詞（make,let,have）や知覚動詞（see,hear,feel）の後で使用されます。
I enjoy reading. | 前置詞の後は必ずこの形。 |I hope to see you. | 未来志向の動詞と相性が良い。 |She made me wait. | to を入れないよう注意。 |avoid(避ける),consider(検討する),deny(否定する),enjoy(楽しむ),finish(終える),postpone(延期する),suggest(提案する)- 例文:
We are considering expanding our business into the Asian market.(アジア市場への事業拡大を検討しています。) - 解説: 「拡大すること」というプロセスそのものを検討の対象としているため、動名詞が自然です。
agree(同意する),decide(決める),hope(望む),manage(どうにか〜する),offer(申し出る),plan(計画する),refuse(拒否する)- 例文:
They managed to secure the contract despite the competition.(競争にもかかわらず、彼らはどうにか契約を確保した。) - 解説: 「契約確保」という目標に向かって努力した結果を示しているため、
to不定詞が使われます。
Working from home has become the new norm.(在宅勤務は新しい常識になった。)To master a language requires patience.(言語をマスターするには忍耐が必要だ。)- ニュアンスの差: 動名詞を主語にすると「実際の経験や一般的な事実」という響きになり、不定詞を主語にすると「格言的、あるいは哲学的な抽象論」という非常に硬い響きになります。日常やビジネスでは動名詞主語が一般的です。
in, at, of, for, about, without など）の後は必ず動名詞になります。She is good at negotiating.(彼女は交渉が得意だ。)Thank you for coming today.(今日はお越しいただきありがとうございます。)
to が前置詞なのか不定詞の印なのかの混同look forward to や be used to の後に動詞の原形を置いてしまうことです。- 誤:
I look forward to meet you. - 正:
I look forward to meeting you. - 理由: 日本語では「〜することを楽しみに待つ」と訳すため、
toを不定詞のtoだと思い込んでしまいます。しかし、ここでのtoは「〜に対して（向かって）」という方向を示す前置詞です。前置詞の後は動名詞というルールが適用されます。
suggest や recommend の後に不定詞を使ってしまう- 誤:
He suggested me to take a break. - 正:
He suggested taking a break.またはHe suggested that I (should) take a break. - 理由: 日本語の「私に〜するように勧めた」という構造をそのまま英語の
tell someone to doやadvise someone to doのパターンに当てはめてしまいがちです。しかし、suggestは「提案内容（アイデア）」そのものを目的語にとる動詞なので、動名詞（行為の概念）を置くのが正解です。
to 不定詞の代わりに for を使ってしまう- 誤:
I went to the cafe for study English. - 正:
I went to the cafe to study English. - 理由: 日本語の「英語の勉強のために」の「ために」を
forと直訳してしまうミスです。forは前置詞なので、もし使うならfor studyingとなりますが、これでは「勉強という用途のために」という不自然な響きになります。「〜するという目的のために」という個人の意図を表す場合は、不定詞の副詞的用法を用いるのが最も自然です。
-ing) | + Infinitive (to do) |I stopped smoking.(私はタバコをやめた。＝禁煙した)I stopped to smoke.(私はタバコを吸うために立ち止まった。＝一服した)
try の場合も、try sending an email なら「とりあえずメールを送ってみれば？（解決するか分からないけど）」という軽いニュアンスになりますが、try to send an email だと「ネット環境が悪くて送ろうと必死に試みる」という苦労のニュアンスが含まれます。like や love の後はどちらでも良いと習いましたが、本当に違いはないのですか？I like swimming. は「泳ぐという行為そのもの、プロセス」を楽しんでいる感覚です。一方、I like to swim every morning. と不定詞を使うと、「毎朝泳ぐことを習慣として選択している、それが良いことだと考えている」という、より理性的・習慣的なニュアンスが強まります。C1レベルでは、この「感情の躍動（-ing）」か「理性の選択（to）」かという違いを意識してみてください。to が復活するのはなぜですか？He made me work. と原形不定詞を使いますが、受動態では I was made to work. と to が必要になります。これは、能動態では made という強い動詞の力が直接 work に及んでいますが、受動態になるとその力が分散され、文の構造を明確にするために「つなぎ」としての to が必要になるためだと解釈されます。これは試験やフォーマルなライティングで非常に重要です。go on doing と go on to do の違いは？go on doing は「（今やっていること）をそのまま続ける」という意味です。go on to do は「（一つのことが終わった後、次に）続けて〜する」という、次のステップへの移行を意味します。プレゼンテーションなどで「次のトピックに移ります」と言う時は I'd like to go on to discuss... と不定詞を使うのが適切です。I appreciate your helping me.）。不定詞の場合は for + 目的格 を置くのが基本です（It is important for you to stay.）。ただし、動詞によっては I want you to go. のように直接目的語を置くパターンもあります。この「誰がその行為をするのか」を明示するスキルも、複雑な文を組み立てる上級者には欠かせません。Gerund vs. Infinitive Structures
| Form | Gerund (-ing) | Infinitive (to + V) |
|---|---|---|
|
Simple
|
Doing
|
To do
|
|
Negative
|
Not doing
|
Not to do
|
|
Passive
|
Being done
|
To be done
|
|
Perfect
|
Having done
|
To have done
|
|
Perfect Passive
|
Having been done
|
To have been done
|
|
Continuous
|
N/A
|
To be doing
|
Meanings
The use of gerunds (the -ing form) and infinitives (to + base form) as objects or subjects in a sentence to represent an action as a concept or thing.
Gerund as Subject/Object
Using the -ing form to talk about an activity in general.
“Skiing is my favorite winter sport.”
“I really enjoy hiking in the mountains.”
Infinitive of Purpose
Using 'to + verb' to explain why someone does something.
“I went to the store to buy milk.”
“She studied hard to pass the exam.”
Meaning-Change Verbs
Verbs like 'remember', 'forget', and 'stop' that change meaning based on the complement.
“I stopped to smoke (I paused my walk to have a cigarette).”
“I stopped smoking (I quit the habit).”
Gerunds after Prepositions
English strictly requires the -ing form after any preposition.
“I am interested in learning more.”
“She is good at drawing.”
Reference Table
| 使い方の場面 | 形 | 動詞の例 | 例文 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
文の主語
|
動名詞
|
Swimming
|
Swimming is great exercise.
|
|
前置詞の後
|
動名詞
|
of learning
|
She dreams of learning German.
|
|
特定の動詞の後
|
動名詞
|
enjoy watching
|
I enjoy watching documentaries.
|
|
特定の動詞の後
|
不定詞
|
decide to go
|
They decided to go home.
|
|
動詞 + 目的語 + 不定詞
|
不定詞
|
told him to wait
|
I told him to wait for me.
|
|
形容詞 + 不定詞
|
不定詞
|
easy to understand
|
This rule is easy to understand.
|
|
意味が変わる動詞 (stop)
|
動名詞
|
stop eating
|
You should stop eating sugar.
|
|
意味が変わる動詞 (stop)
|
不定詞
|
stop to eat
|
We stopped to eat lunch.
|
|
意味が変わる動詞 (try)
|
動名詞
|
try calling
|
Try calling her number again.
|
|
意味が変わる動詞 (try)
|
不定詞
|
try to call
|
I will try to call her later.
|
フォーマル度スペクトル
I would suggest implementing a new strategy. (Business meeting)
I suggest trying a new strategy. (Business meeting)
How about trying something else? (Business meeting)
Let's just wing it. (Business meeting)
動名詞と不定詞: 動詞の名詞化
動名詞（-ing）
- 主語 Reading is fun.
- 前置詞の後 Good at drawing.
- 動詞の後 Enjoy playing.
不定詞（to + 動詞）
- 目的語 Decide to go.
- 形容詞の後 Easy to learn.
- 目的 Stopped to eat.
両方（意味の変化あり）
- Stop Stop smoking / Stop to smoke.
- Remember Remember locking / Remember to lock.
動名詞 vs. 不定詞: クイックガイド
動名詞か不定詞かを選ぶ: 決定フロー
動詞の前に前置詞（例: in, on, about, for, without）がありますか？
その動詞は文の主語ですか？
その主要動詞は、通常不定詞を取るものですか？（例: want, need, decide, hope）
その主要動詞は、通常動名詞を取るものですか？（例: enjoy, finish, avoid, suggest）
その動詞は、形によって意味が変わりますか？（例: stop, remember, try）
一般的な動詞グループ
動詞 + 動名詞
- • Enjoy
- • Finish
- • Avoid
- • Mind
- • Suggest
- • Consider
- • Deny
- • Admit
動詞 + 不定詞
- • Decide
- • Agree
- • Hope
- • Plan
- • Promise
- • Want
- • Learn
- • Refuse
動詞 + 目的語 + 不定詞
- • Ask
- • Tell
- • Advise
- • Allow
- • Force
- • Remind
- • Encourage
- • Persuade
動詞 + 動名詞 または 不定詞（同じ意味）
- • Start
- • Begin
- • Continue
- • Like
- • Love
- • Hate
- • Prefer
動詞 + 動名詞 または 不定詞（異なる意味）
- • Stop
- • Remember
- • Forget
- • Try
- • Regret
- • Need
レベル別の例文
I like reading books.
I want to go home.
Swimming is fun.
He needs to sleep.
She finished doing her homework.
They decided to buy a car.
I am interested in learning English.
We went to the cafe to meet friends.
You should avoid eating too much sugar.
I hope to see you soon.
He kept talking even though I was busy.
It is difficult to understand him.
I remember visiting Paris when I was ten.
Please remember to lock the door.
I tried to open the window, but it was stuck.
Try adding some salt to the soup.
I resent being treated like a child.
He is reported to have escaped from prison.
I object to being spoken to in that tone.
The company anticipates making a profit this year.
I don't much care for his interfering in our affairs.
To have lived through such a crisis is a miracle.
I watched the sun set over the horizon.
The suspect confessed to having forged the documents.
間違えやすい
Learners often use 'stop to do' when they mean they quit a habit.
Mixing up past memories with future tasks.
Used incorrectly in academic or biographical contexts.
よくある間違い
I like swim.
I like swimming.
I want going.
I want to go.
He is good in play.
He is good at playing.
To reading is fun.
Reading is fun.
I am thinking to go.
I am thinking of going.
She finished to eat.
She finished eating.
I went for buy milk.
I went to buy milk.
I suggest to wait.
I suggest waiting.
I don't mind to help.
I don't mind helping.
I am used to get up early.
I am used to getting up early.
I regret to tell him the news.
I regret telling him the news.
He was seen cross the road.
He was seen crossing the road.
I look forward to meet you.
I look forward to meeting you.
They denied to have stolen it.
They denied having stolen it.
文型パターン
I am looking forward to ___.
It's no use ___.
I would rather ___ than ___.
I resent ___.
Real World Usage
I am skilled at managing large teams.
Stop bugging me!
Thanks for following!
I'd like to check in, please.
Your order is being prepared.
Understanding the data is crucial.
パターンに耳を傾けてみよう
動詞のペアで暗記！
前置詞は常に最優先！
フォーマルとインフォーマルのニュアンス
良い辞書を活用しよう
Smart Tips
Never use 'to'. Always use -ing or a 'that' clause.
Use 'to + verb' instead of 'for + -ing'.
Check if the action happened in the past (use -ing) or needs to happen in the future (use to).
Always add -ing to the following verb.
発音
The -ing suffix
In casual speech, the 'g' is often dropped (e.g., 'runnin'), but in formal English, the full 'ng' sound is expected.
The 'to' particle
In the infinitive, 'to' is usually unstressed and sounds like 'tuh'.
Emphasis on the Gerund
I LOVE ↗swimming.
Emphasizes the activity itself.
暗記しよう
記憶術
Prepositions are 'ing'-clined to take the gerund.
視覚的連想
Imagine a 'To' bridge leading to a future goal (Infinitive) and an '-ing' circle representing a continuous cycle or a past memory (Gerund).
Rhyme
After 'suggest' and 'avoid', the -ing form is employed. After 'hope' and 'decide', the 'to' form will be your guide.
Story
I was 'walking' (gerund) in the park when I 'stopped to look' (infinitive of purpose) at a bird. I 'remembered seeing' (gerund for memory) that bird before. I 'decided to take' (infinitive for decision) a photo.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Write 5 sentences about your career goals using at least 3 gerunds and 3 infinitives.
文化メモ
BrE often uses 'like + gerund' (I like swimming), whereas AmE is more likely to use 'like + infinitive' (I like to swim), though both are understood.
Gerunds are preferred for naming fields of study or complex processes in formal papers.
Sometimes uses 'a-' prefixing with gerunds in folk speech, though this is non-standard.
The English gerund evolved from the Old English suffix '-ung', while the infinitive comes from the Germanic 'to' + dative case of the verbal noun.
会話のきっかけ
What is something you really enjoy doing on weekends?
What do you hope to achieve in the next five years?
Is there anything you regret doing in your past?
What would you suggest doing to improve the local economy?
日記のテーマ
よくある間違い
Test Yourself
She finished ___ her essay just before the deadline.
Find and fix the mistake:
I'm looking forward to go on vacation next month.
Choose the correct sentence:
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Translate into English: 'Ella se detuvo para estirar las piernas.'
Answer starts with: ["S...
Score: /5
練習問題
8 exercisesI suggest ___ to the museum instead.
I'll never forget ___ (see) the Eiffel Tower for the first time.
Find and fix the mistake:
I am looking forward to meet you next week.
It is not worth trying to fix this. (USE)
1. Avoid, 2. Decide, 3. Stop (quit)
He stopped to talk to her.
She is interested in ___ (apply) for the job.
Choose the grammatically perfect sentence.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesHave you considered ___ for that advanced course?
I regret telling you this, but we need to postpone the meeting.
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: 'Ella me sugirió ir a la playa.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
動詞と正しい形を合わせましょう:
I can't imagine ___ without my phone for a day.
He offered taking us to the airport.
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: 'Recuerdo haber cerrado la puerta.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
動詞と、それらを正しく補完するフレーズを合わせましょう:
Score: /12
よくある質問 (8)
In this phrase, 'to' is a preposition, not part of the infinitive. Just as you say 'I'm going to London' (noun), you must use a gerund (verbal noun) after 'to' here.
'Try to do' means you are making an effort to achieve something difficult. 'Try doing' means you are experimenting with an action to see if it solves a problem.
Yes, usually. 'I like swimming' and 'I like to swim' are both correct. However, 'I like to swim' often implies a habit or something you think is a good idea, while 'I like swimming' focuses on the enjoyment of the activity.
Common ones include: avoid, enjoy, finish, mind, suggest, recommend, and keep.
No. After modal verbs (can, should, must) and verbs like 'make' and 'let', we use the 'bare infinitive' without 'to'.
Absolutely! 'Smoking is prohibited' or 'Learning is fun' are perfect examples.
It's the form 'being + past participle'. For example: 'I don't like being told what to do.'
Try putting a noun after it. If it makes sense (e.g., 'I'm used to *the noise*'), then 'to' is a preposition and needs a gerund.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Infinitivo
Spanish never uses the -ando/-iendo form as a noun.
Infinitif
French uses the gerundive (en + participe présent) only for simultaneous actions.
Infinitiv mit zu
German has no direct equivalent to the English -ing gerund.
Koto / No (Nominalizers)
Japanese doesn't have a 'to-infinitive' vs 'gerund' distinction; it depends on the following particle.
Masdar
The Masdar is a distinct morphological form, not just a suffix like -ing.
No change
There are no morphological markers like -ing or 'to'.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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English Grammar | GERUNDS in 5 simple steps
Arnel's Everyday English
GERUNDS & INFINITIVES | WINNING is everything? OR TO WIN is everything?
Arnel's Everyday English
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