C1 Gerunds & Infinitives 14 min read Hard

Verb-to-Noun: Using Gerunds & Infinitives (-ing / to)

Mastering gerunds and infinitives refines your English, making your expression more precise and natural.
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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'.
Verb + [(-ing) OR (to + Verb)] ➔ Noun Function

Overview

Learning -ing and to words is very important. They help you speak well. Your English will sound natural.

Using these words well shows you know English. This guide helps you learn how.

How This Grammar Works

Some action words use -ing. They act like names. Other words start with to. They show why you do things.
The word before tells you which word comes next. This helps you say more with fewer words.
Action words can change. Swimming is a sport. In this sentence, swimming is a name. I want to learn uses to learn as a goal.
Words about liking or finishing use -ing words. Words about plans or wants use to words. English uses these patterns.

Formation Pattern

1
Making these words is easy. You can use them in many ways.
2
Add -ing to a word. It looks like other words. But it works in a new way.
3
| Simple Word | -ing Word | How to spell |
4
| :-------- | :---------- | :------------------------------------------------- |
5
| walk | walking | Standard addition of -ing |
6
| read | reading | Standard addition of -ing |
7
| swim | swimming | Double final consonant after a short vowel (c-v-c) |
8
| make | making | Drop final silent e before adding -ing |
9
| die | dying | Change ie to y before adding -ing |
10
Use to and a simple word. The word never changes. Sometimes you do not use to.
11
| To-Word | When to use |
12
| :------------------ | :---------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
13
| to study | After words like decide. Example: I decided to study. |
14
| to understand | After words like important. Example: It is important to understand. |
15
| to explain | To say why. Example: He called to explain. |
16
| study | After words like should. Example: You should study more. |
17
| understand | After you see or hear someone. Example: I saw him walk. |
18
| explain | After words like make or let. Example: She made me explain. |

When To Use It

The word before tells you which one to use. This list shows how.
1. Gerunds Only
  • As the Subject of a Sentence: When an action or activity functions as the topic, the gerund is the standard choice. While infinitives can grammatically serve as subjects, they often sound formal, archaic, or emphasize the potential of an action.
  • Exercising regularly is vital for health.
  • Learning new skills expands career opportunities.
  • Developing a critical perspective requires effort.
  • After Prepositions: This is a consistent rule: any verb following a preposition must be in the gerund form. This includes complex prepositions and phrasal verbs ending in to (where to is a preposition, not part of an infinitive).
  • She excels at problem-solving.
  • I'm interested in pursuing further education.
  • They succeeded by collaborating effectively.
  • I look forward to hearing your proposal. (Here, to is part of the phrasal verb look forward to).
  • He's accustomed to working long hours.
  • After Certain Verbs: A specific set of verbs consistently requires a gerund as their object. These verbs often express preferences, completion, mental processes, or avoidance. Memorization is less effective than recognizing semantic categories and consistent exposure.
| Words followed by -ing | Examples |
| :--------------------------------------- | :---------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| say, tell, let | She said sorry for making a mistake. |
| appreciate, avoid, consider | I appreciate your helping me. He avoids confronting issues. |
| deny, discuss, detest, dislike | They denied knowing anything. We discussed postponing the trip. |
| enjoy, escape, finish, imagine | He enjoys playing chess. She finished writing her report. |
| keep, mention, mind, miss | Keep practising daily. Do you mind opening the window? |
| let, wait, practice, stop | They stopped making a choice. |
| recall, recommend, resent, resist| I recall meeting him once. She resented being overlooked. |
| risk, say, allow, know | You risk losing money. He said taking a rest is good. |
  • After Certain Phrases: Several fixed expressions and idioms are followed by gerunds.
  • It's no use / It's no good: It's no use worrying about it now.
  • It's worth: That documentary is definitely worth watching.
  • There's no point in: There's no point in arguing further.
  • Can't help: I can't help feeling sorry for them.
  • Can't stand: She can't stand waiting in queues.
  • Have difficulty (in): He has difficulty concentrating.
2. Infinitives Only
  • After Certain Verbs: A distinct group of verbs takes an infinitive as its object. These verbs often express intentions, desires, plans, or future actions.
| Words followed by to | Examples |
| :-------------------------------------------- | :--------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| agree, try, look, plan, ask | We said yes to meet at 7. He seems to be sick. |
| attempt, choose, claim, decide | They chose to stay quiet. She decided to resign. |
| demand, deserve, expect, fail, hope | I expect to hear from you soon. He failed to deliver on time. |
| intend, learn, manage, mean | She intends to travel. He managed to complete the task. |
| need, offer, plan, prepare, pretend | I need to finish this. They offered to help. |
| promise, refuse, seem, struggle | He promised to call back. They refused to cooperate. |
| tend, threaten, want, wish | She tends to overthink. They want to achieve success. |
  • After Adjectives: Infinitives frequently follow adjectives, especially those expressing emotions, judgment, or readiness.
  • I'm happy to assist you.
  • It's difficult to explain the concept.
  • Are you ready to start the presentation?
  • To Express Purpose: The infinitive (often implicitly in order to) clearly states the reason or goal of an action.
  • She studies diligently to pass her exams.
  • He paused to consider his options.
  • They saved money to buy a new house.
  • After Question Words: Infinitives can follow question words (what, where, when, how, who, which) to introduce indirect questions or provide instructions. This does not apply to why.
  • I don't know what to do next.
  • Could you tell me where to find the library?
  • She explained how to operate the machine.
  • After too and enough: These adverbs often precede an infinitive to indicate sufficiency or excess.
  • It's too cold to swim today.
  • He's strong enough to lift that box.
  • The problem is too complex to solve quickly.
  • With Impersonal Expressions: Phrases starting with It is... commonly take an infinitive.
  • It is important to remember these guidelines.
  • It was impossible to reach him.
3. Words then a person then a to word
Sometimes you put a person before the second action word.
| Word + Person + 'to' + Action | Examples |
| :-------------------------------------- | :-------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| advise, allow, ask, cause | I told him to rest. They let us leave. |
| enable, encourage, force, get | This software enables users to collaborate. She forced herself to concentrate. |
| invite, order, permit, persuade | He invited me to join the team. The manager ordered employees to work overtime. |
| remind, teach, tell, urge, warn| She reminded me to lock the door. I told him to wait. |
| Word + Person + Action (no 'to') | Examples |
| :-------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| make (causative) | The boss made us work late. (Meaning: caused us to work) |
| let (say yes) | My parents let me go out. (They said yes) |
| have (ask someone) | I will ask her to call you. (I planned it) |
| see, hear, feel, watch, notice | I saw him walk. I heard birds sing. |
4. Two ways to say the same thing
Use '-ing' or 'to'. They mean the same thing.
  • Common verbs: begin, start, continue, like, love, hate, prefer, propose, can't bear.
  • It started raining / to rain.
  • I love reading / to read novels.
  • She prefers studying alone / to study alone.
5. Two ways to say different things
Be careful. '-ing' and 'to' change the meaning a lot.
| Word | '-ing' meaning | 'to' meaning |
| :------ | :--------------------------------------------- | :----------------------------------------------- |
| stop | Cease an ongoing activity | Pause an activity in order to do something else |
| | He stopped smoking years ago. | She stopped to tie her shoe. |
| remember | Recall a past event or action | Not forget to perform a future action or duty |
| | I remember locking the door. | Remember to lock the door before you leave. |
| forget | Fail to recall a past event or action | Fail to remember to perform a future action or duty |
| | I'll never forget meeting her. | Don't forget to submit the report. |
| try | Experiment with a method to see if it works | Make an effort or attempt to do something |
| | Try adding more salt if it tastes bland. | She tried to reach the high shelf. |
| regret | Sad about the past. | Sad to say bad news now. |
| | I regret telling him my secret. | We regret to inform you of your cancellation. |
| mean | Involve or entail | Intend to do something |
| | Doing this means you must do it. | I did not want to. |
| need | A thing needs a fix. | You must do something. |
| | The car needs washing. (implies: needs to be washed) | I need to wash the car. |

Common Mistakes

These words are hard. Practice them to speak better.
  • The to-Preposition vs. to-Infinitive Confusion: A persistent error is treating every to as an infinitive marker. However, to can also be a preposition, and as such, it must be followed by a gerund. This is especially true with phrasal verbs or fixed expressions ending in to.
  • Incorrect: I'm committed to improve my skills.
  • Correct: I'm committed to improving my skills. (to is a preposition here, part of committed to)
  • Incorrect: He objected to pay the fee.
  • Correct: He objected to paying the fee. (to is part of object to)
Use 'to' for a reason. Or use 'to' with a name.
  • Confusing Gerunds with Present Participles: Both share the -ing form, leading to functional misidentification. A gerund acts as a noun, whereas a present participle functions as an adjective or part of a continuous verb tense.
  • Reading is her favorite pastime. (Gerund: noun, subject of sentence)
  • She is reading a book. (Present Participle: part of present continuous verb)
  • The reading lamp needs repair. (Present Participle: adjective modifying lamp)
Sometimes the '-ing' word is the main topic.
  • Overgeneralizing Verb Patterns: Learners sometimes assume that if one verb takes an infinitive, all similar-meaning verbs do. This leads to errors like I suggest to go instead of I suggest going. The arbitrary nature of which verb takes which form requires focused attention to individual verb patterns rather than broad generalization.
  • Incorrect Placement of Objects with Infinitives: With verbs like advise, allow, tell, etc., the object must be placed before the infinitive, not after the main verb and before the infinitive if the object refers to the performer of the infinitive's action.
  • Incorrect: He advised to take a break me.
  • Correct: He advised me to take a break.
  • Stylistic Inflexibility: While some verbs allow both gerunds and infinitives with little meaning change, learners may stick to one form, missing opportunities for stylistic variation. Understanding the subtle difference (e.g., gerund for general activity, infinitive for specific instance) enhances rhetorical skill.

Real Conversations

Gerunds and infinitives are integral to everyday communication across various registers, from casual chat to professional correspondence. Observing their authentic usage helps to internalize the patterns.

- Professional Email: (Project update)

- `Hi Team,

J

Just an update

We've finished reviewing the initial designs and plan to schedule a meeting next week to discuss feedback. I anticipate receiving final approval by Friday.`

- Here, reviewing follows finished (gerund), to schedule and to discuss follow plan and to discuss indicates purpose (infinitives), and receiving follows anticipate (gerund).

- Casual Text Message: (Friend inviting another out)

- Hey, thinking of going for coffee. You wanna come? No pressure if you need to finish that report.

- Going follows thinking of (preposition of + gerund). come is a bare infinitive after wanna (want to). to finish follows need (infinitive).

- Social Media Post: (Reflection on travel)

- Just got back! Really enjoyed exploring new cities. It's truly amazing to see how different cultures operate. Already planning to visit another continent next year! #TravelGoals

- exploring follows enjoyed (gerund). to see follows amazing (adjective + infinitive). to visit follows planning (infinitive).

- Workplace Dialogue: (Manager and employee discussing a task)

- Manager: Have you considered delegating some of that work? You seem to be struggling.

- Employee: I did try to manage everything myself, but I admit needing assistance now.

- delegating follows considered (gerund). to be follows seem (infinitive). to manage follows try (meaning effort). needing follows admit (gerund).

Quick FAQ

  • Q: Why do some verbs allow both a gerund and an infinitive with little change in meaning, like start or like?
  • A: For verbs like start, begin, continue, like, love, hate, and prefer, the choice is often stylistic or places a subtle emphasis. The gerund often refers to the activity in a more general sense, or as an ongoing state, while the infinitive might emphasize the beginning or intention of a specific instance of the action. For instance, I like swimming is a general preference, while I like to swim on weekends might refer to a habitual, specific activity.
  • Q: Are there comprehensive lists of verbs that take gerunds or infinitives?
  • A: Yes, such lists exist and can be helpful as a reference. However, rote memorization is less effective than understanding the semantic categories of verbs (e.g., verbs of emotion, completion, intention) and immersing yourself in authentic English. Over time, the correct patterns will begin to sound natural.
  • Q: Can gerunds and infinitives have their own subjects?
  • A: Yes. For gerunds, a possessive form (e.g., my, his, John's) or a noun/pronoun in the objective case can act as the subject: I resent his complaining constantly. I don't like him complaining. For infinitives, for + noun/pronoun typically introduces the subject: It's important for us to understand the instructions.
  • Q: How are passive forms constructed with gerunds and infinitives?
  • A: Passive gerunds are formed with being + past participle: She resents being told what to do. Passive infinitives are formed with to be + past participle: He expects to be promoted next year.
  • **Q: What about

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.

1

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.”

2

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.”

3

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).”

4

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

Reference table for Verb-to-Noun: Using Gerunds & Infinitives (-ing / to)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative Gerund
Verb + -ing
I enjoy **running**.
Negative Gerund
Not + Verb-ing
I enjoy **not working** on Sundays.
Affirmative Infinitive
To + Verb
I want **to stay**.
Negative Infinitive
Not + to + Verb
I decided **not to stay**.
Passive Gerund
Being + Past Participle
I hate **being lied** to.
Perfect Infinitive
To have + Past Participle
He seems **to have forgotten**.
Bare Infinitive
Verb (no 'to')
She let him **go**.
Gerund as Subject
Verb-ing + Verb...
**Smoking** is bad for you.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
I would suggest implementing a new strategy.

I would suggest implementing a new strategy. (Business meeting)

Neutral
I suggest trying a new strategy.

I suggest trying a new strategy. (Business meeting)

Informal
How about trying something else?

How about trying something else? (Business meeting)

Slang
Let's just wing it.

Let's just wing it. (Business meeting)

The Gerund vs. Infinitive Split

Verb Complements

Gerund (-ing)

  • After Prepositions Interested in going
  • As Subject Running is fun
  • Specific Verbs Enjoy, Suggest, Avoid

Infinitive (to)

  • Purpose I went to help
  • After Adjectives Happy to meet
  • Specific Verbs Want, Decide, Hope

Meaning Change Verbs

Stop + Gerund
Stop smoking Quit the habit forever
Stop + Infinitive
Stop to smoke Pause an activity to have a cigarette

Which one do I use?

1

Is it after a preposition?

YES
Use Gerund (-ing)
NO
Next question
2

Is it to show purpose?

YES
Use Infinitive (to)
NO
Check the specific verb list

Common Gerund Verbs

❤️

Emotions

  • • Enjoy
  • • Dislike
  • • Fancy
🗣️

Advice/Suggestions

  • • Suggest
  • • Recommend
  • • Advise
✅

Completion

  • • Finish
  • • Quit
  • • Postpone
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Examples by Level

1

I like reading books.

2

I want to go home.

3

Swimming is fun.

4

He needs to sleep.

1

She finished doing her homework.

2

They decided to buy a car.

3

I am interested in learning English.

4

We went to the cafe to meet friends.

1

You should avoid eating too much sugar.

2

I hope to see you soon.

3

He kept talking even though I was busy.

4

It is difficult to understand him.

1

I remember visiting Paris when I was ten.

2

Please remember to lock the door.

3

I tried to open the window, but it was stuck.

4

Try adding some salt to the soup.

1

I resent being treated like a child.

2

He is reported to have escaped from prison.

3

I object to being spoken to in that tone.

4

The company anticipates making a profit this year.

1

I don't much care for his interfering in our affairs.

2

To have lived through such a crisis is a miracle.

3

I watched the sun set over the horizon.

4

The suspect confessed to having forged the documents.

Easily Confused

Verb-to-Noun: Using Gerunds & Infinitives (-ing / to) vs Stop doing vs Stop to do

Learners often use 'stop to do' when they mean they quit a habit.

Verb-to-Noun: Using Gerunds & Infinitives (-ing / to) vs Remember doing vs Remember to do

Mixing up past memories with future tasks.

Verb-to-Noun: Using Gerunds & Infinitives (-ing / to) vs Go on doing vs Go on to do

Used incorrectly in academic or biographical contexts.

Common Mistakes

✗

I like swim.

✓

I like swimming.

The verb 'like' needs a gerund or infinitive, not a base form.
✗

I want going.

✓

I want to go.

'Want' always takes an infinitive.
✗

He is good in play.

✓

He is good at playing.

Prepositions need -ing.
✗

To reading is fun.

✓

Reading is fun.

Gerunds are more natural as subjects than infinitives.
✗

I am thinking to go.

✓

I am thinking of going.

'Think of' is a prepositional phrase requiring a gerund.
✗

She finished to eat.

✓

She finished eating.

'Finish' requires a gerund.
✗

I went for buy milk.

✓

I went to buy milk.

Use 'to' for purpose, not 'for'.
✗

I suggest to wait.

✓

I suggest waiting.

'Suggest' never takes a to-infinitive.
✗

I don't mind to help.

✓

I don't mind helping.

'Mind' requires a gerund.
✗

I am used to get up early.

✓

I am used to getting up early.

Here 'to' is a preposition.
✗

I regret to tell him the news.

✓

I regret telling him the news.

Use gerund for past regrets; infinitive for giving bad news now.
✗

He was seen cross the road.

✓

He was seen crossing the road.

Passive perception verbs usually take the -ing form.
✗

I look forward to meet you.

✓

I look forward to meeting you.

'To' is a preposition here.
✗

They denied to have stolen it.

✓

They denied having stolen it.

'Deny' takes a gerund.

Sentence Patterns

I am looking forward to ___.

It's no use ___.

I would rather ___ than ___.

I resent ___.

Real World Usage

Job Interviews very common

I am skilled at managing large teams.

Texting constant

Stop bugging me!

Social Media very common

Thanks for following!

Travel common

I'd like to check in, please.

Food Delivery Apps occasional

Your order is being prepared.

Academic Writing constant

Understanding the data is crucial.

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💡

The Preposition Rule

If you see a preposition (in, on, at, with, about, etc.), 99% of the time the next verb must be an -ing gerund. This is the easiest way to avoid errors.
⚠️

The 'To' Trap

Be careful with 'to'. Sometimes it's part of an infinitive (I want to go), but sometimes it's a preposition (I'm used to going). If you can replace the 'to' with 'towards', it's a preposition!
🎯

Verbs of Perception

Use the bare infinitive for a completed action (I saw him fall) and the gerund for an action in progress (I saw him falling).
💬

Formal Gerunds

In very formal writing, use a possessive before a gerund: 'I appreciate your helping me' instead of 'I appreciate you helping me'.

Smart Tips

Never use 'to'. Always use -ing or a 'that' clause.

I suggest to go to the park. → I suggest going to the park.

Use 'to + verb' instead of 'for + -ing'.

I went to the shop for buying bread. → I went to the shop to buy bread.

Check if the action happened in the past (use -ing) or needs to happen in the future (use to).

I remembered to visit her last year (if you mean the memory). → I remembered visiting her last year.

Always add -ing to the following verb.

I look forward to hear from you. → I look forward to hearing from you.

Pronunciation

/ɪŋ/

The -ing suffix

In casual speech, the 'g' is often dropped (e.g., 'runnin'), but in formal English, the full 'ng' sound is expected.

/tə/

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.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Prepositions are 'ing'-clined to take the gerund.

Visual Association

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

SuggestEnjoyAvoidDecideHopePlanPrepositionPurpose

Challenge

Write 5 sentences about your career goals using at least 3 gerunds and 3 infinitives.

Cultural Notes

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.

Conversation Starters

“

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?

Journal Prompts

Write about a time you tried to learn a new skill but failed. What did you try doing to fix the problem?
Describe your dream job. What do you look forward to doing every day?
Discuss the pros and cons of living abroad. Use gerunds as subjects.
Write a letter to your younger self. What would you advise them to do or avoid doing?

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Choose the correct form of the verb. Multiple Choice

I suggest ___ to the museum instead.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: going
'Suggest' is always followed by a gerund.
Fill in the blank with the correct form (gerund or infinitive).

I'll never forget ___ (see) the Eiffel Tower for the first time.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: seeing
We use the gerund with 'forget' when talking about a past memory.
Find the mistake in the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

I am looking forward to meet you next week.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: to meet
It should be 'to meeting' because 'to' is a preposition here.
Rewrite the sentence using the word in brackets. Sentence Transformation

It is not worth trying to fix this. (USE)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: It is no use trying to fix this.
'It is no use' is a fixed expression followed by a gerund.
Match the verb to its required complement form. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-Gerund, 2-Infinitive, 3-Gerund
Avoid + ing, Decide + to, Stop + ing.
Select the correct meaning. Multiple Choice

He stopped to talk to her.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He paused his previous action so he could talk to her.
'Stop + infinitive' indicates purpose.
Complete the sentence.

She is interested in ___ (apply) for the job.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: applying
After the preposition 'in', we must use a gerund.
Which sentence is correct? Multiple Choice

Choose the grammatically perfect sentence.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I want you to go.
'Want' follows the pattern: Verb + Object + To-Infinitive.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Choose the correct form of the verb. Multiple Choice

I suggest ___ to the museum instead.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: going
'Suggest' is always followed by a gerund.
Fill in the blank with the correct form (gerund or infinitive).

I'll never forget ___ (see) the Eiffel Tower for the first time.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: seeing
We use the gerund with 'forget' when talking about a past memory.
Find the mistake in the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

I am looking forward to meet you next week.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: to meet
It should be 'to meeting' because 'to' is a preposition here.
Rewrite the sentence using the word in brackets. Sentence Transformation

It is not worth trying to fix this. (USE)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: It is no use trying to fix this.
'It is no use' is a fixed expression followed by a gerund.
Match the verb to its required complement form. Match Pairs

1. Avoid, 2. Decide, 3. Stop (quit)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-Gerund, 2-Infinitive, 3-Gerund
Avoid + ing, Decide + to, Stop + ing.
Select the correct meaning. Multiple Choice

He stopped to talk to her.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He paused his previous action so he could talk to her.
'Stop + infinitive' indicates purpose.
Complete the sentence.

She is interested in ___ (apply) for the job.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: applying
After the preposition 'in', we must use a gerund.
Which sentence is correct? Multiple Choice

Choose the grammatically perfect sentence.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I want you to go.
'Want' follows the pattern: Verb + Object + To-Infinitive.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Choose the correct form Fill in the Blank

Have you considered ___ for that advanced course?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: applying
Find and fix the mistake Error Correction

I regret telling you this, but we need to postpone the meeting.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I regret to tell you this, but we need to postpone the meeting.
Which sentence is correct? Multiple Choice

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: It's difficult to master a new skill overnight.
Type the correct English sentence Translation

Translate into English: 'Ella me sugirió ir a la playa.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["She suggested going to the beach.","She suggested we go to the beach."]
Put the words in order Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I decided to study abroad next semester
Match each verb with its typical follow-up form Match Pairs

Match the verbs with the correct form:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched
Choose the correct form Fill in the Blank

I can't imagine ___ without my phone for a day.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: living
Find and fix the mistake Error Correction

He offered taking us to the airport.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He offered to take us to the airport.
Which sentence is correct? Multiple Choice

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: She didn't deny breaking the vase.
Type the correct English sentence Translation

Translate into English: 'Recuerdo haber cerrado la puerta.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["I remember locking the door."]
Put the words in order Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Learning a new language is a challenge
Match the verb to its typical usage pattern Match Pairs

Match the verbs with the phrase that correctly completes them:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched

Score: /12

FAQ (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

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Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish moderate

Infinitivo

Spanish never uses the -ando/-iendo form as a noun.

French moderate

Infinitif

French uses the gerundive (en + participe présent) only for simultaneous actions.

German high

Infinitiv mit zu

German has no direct equivalent to the English -ing gerund.

Japanese low

Koto / No (Nominalizers)

Japanese doesn't have a 'to-infinitive' vs 'gerund' distinction; it depends on the following particle.

Arabic partial

Masdar

The Masdar is a distinct morphological form, not just a suffix like -ing.

Chinese none

No change

There are no morphological markers like -ing or 'to'.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Giving Examples: For Example, Like, Such As
Next
Using 'one' and 'ones' to Replace Nouns

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