Verbo-para-Substantivo: Usando Gerúndios e Infinitivos (-ing / to)
gerúndios e infinitivos deixa seu inglês muito mais preciso e natural. É um toque de fluência que faz toda a diferença!
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
gerund (-ing) e o infinitive (to + verbo) com base no verbo principal ou na função sintática da frase.eu gosto de correr, mas em inglês, a estrutura
I enjoy running é obrigatória; dizer I enjoy to run soa estranho para um nativo.happy hour ou discutir um projeto com colegas.verbals em inglês é fascinante. Quando transformamos um verbo em substantivo, estamos lidando com a nominalização. Em português, o infinitivo é a forma padrão para isso: Viver é aprender.gerund (swimming, learning) e o infinitive (to swim, to learn). A escolha entre eles não é aleatória; é uma questão de collocation (combinação de palavras) e semântica.gerund funciona como um substantivo puro. Quando você diz Smoking is bad for you, o smoking é o sujeito da oração, agindo como um substantivo. O infinitive, por sua vez, carrega uma carga maior de propósito, intenção ou futuro.want, plan ou decide, pedem o infinitive. Já verbos que indicam processos, gostos ou hábitos, como enjoy, avoid ou consider, pedem o gerund.estou interessado em fazer, usando o infinitivo após a preposição
em. Em inglês, a regra é absoluta: após qualquer preposição (in, at, of, for, about, etc.), você DEVE usar o gerund.I am interested in doing (e nunca in to do). Isso acontece porque o to em look forward to ou accustomed to funciona como preposição, e não como marca de infinitivo. Esse é um erro clássico que vamos desconstruir aqui.-ing, enquanto o infinitivo utiliza a partícula to seguida do verbo na forma base.Reading is fun | Funciona como sujeito |I want to read | Indica intenção |I can read | Após modais |Run->Running(consoante dobrada)Write->Writing(cai o 'e')Try->Trying(mantém o 'y')
- 1Gerúndio como sujeito:
Learning English is essential. Aqui, o gerúndio é o núcleo do sujeito. - 2Após preposições:
He is good at solving problems. Nunca esqueça: preposição + -ing. - 3Verbos de preferência/hábito:
I enjoy traveling. O verboenjoysempre atrai ogerund. - 4Infinitivo para propósito:
I went to the store to buy milk. Otoaqui indica a finalidade (para comprar). - 5Após adjetivos:
It is difficult to understand. O infinitivo complementa o adjetivo.
- 1O erro da preposição:
I am used to work here
. Errado! O correto éI am used to working here. Otofaz parte da expressãobe used to(estar acostumado), funcionando como preposição. O cérebro brasileiro tenta usar o infinitivo porque, em português,acostumado a trabalharusa o infinitivo. - 2Confusão com verbos de percepção:
I saw him to cross the street
. Errado. Verbos comosee,hearewatchpedem obare infinitiveougerund. O correto éI saw him crossouI saw him crossing. - 3Uso excessivo de infinitivo: Muitos brasileiros tentam usar o infinitivo em todas as situações porque é o padrão no português. Frases como
I avoid to go there
soam totalmente incorretas. O correto éI avoid going there, poisavoidé um verbo que exigegerund.
- 1Posso usar infinitivo após preposição? Não. A regra é rígida: preposições sempre pedem gerúndio. A única exceção é quando o
tofaz parte de um verbo (ex:want to), mas ele não é preposição nesse caso. - 2Existe diferença entre
stop to smokeestop smoking? Sim!Stop smokingsignifica parar o vício (cessar a ação).Stop to smokesignifica parar o que você está fazendo para fumar (interromper uma ação para começar outra). É uma nuance de nível avançado. - 3Como saber qual verbo pede qual? Não há regra lógica absoluta para todos. A melhor forma é memorizar grupos de verbos (ex: verbos de 'intenção' pedem infinitivo, verbos de 'processo mental' pedem gerúndio) e praticar através de leitura imersiva.
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
| Contexto de Uso | Forma | Exemplo de Verbo | Exemplo de Frase |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sujeito da Frase
|
Gerúndio
|
Swimming
|
Swimming is great exercise.
|
|
Depois de Preposições
|
Gerúndio
|
of learning
|
She dreams of learning German.
|
|
Depois de Verbos Específicos
|
Gerúndio
|
enjoy watching
|
I enjoy watching documentaries.
|
|
Depois de Verbos Específicos
|
Infinitivo
|
decide to go
|
They decided to go home.
|
|
Verbo + Objeto + Infinitivo
|
Infinitivo
|
told him to wait
|
I told him to wait for me.
|
|
Adjetivos + Infinitivo
|
Infinitivo
|
easy to understand
|
This rule is easy to understand.
|
|
Verbos que Mudam de Sentido (stop)
|
Gerúndio
|
stop eating
|
You should stop eating sugar.
|
|
Verbos que Mudam de Sentido (stop)
|
Infinitivo
|
stop to eat
|
We stopped to eat lunch.
|
|
Verbos que Mudam de Sentido (try)
|
Gerúndio
|
try calling
|
Try calling her number again.
|
|
Verbos que Mudam de Sentido (try)
|
Infinitivo
|
try to call
|
I will try to call her later.
|
Espectro de formalidade
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)
Gerúndios e Infinitivos: Transformações Verbais
Gerúndios (-ing)
- Sujeito Reading is fun.
- Após Preposição Good at drawing.
- Após Verbos Enjoy playing.
Infinitivos (to + Verbo)
- Objeto Decide to go.
- Após Adjetivos Easy to learn.
- Propósito Stopped to eat.
Ambos (Mudança de Sentido)
- Stop Stop smoking / Stop to smoke.
- Remember Remember locking / Remember to lock.
Gerúndios vs. Infinitivos: Guia Rápido
Escolhendo Gerúndio ou Infinitivo: Um Fluxo de Decisão
O verbo é precedido por uma preposição (ex: in, on, about, for, without)?
O verbo é o sujeito da frase?
O verbo principal é um que geralmente aceita um INFINITIVO (ex: want, need, decide, hope)?
O verbo principal é um que geralmente aceita um GERÚNDIO (ex: enjoy, finish, avoid, suggest)?
O verbo muda de sentido com uma forma diferente (ex: stop, remember, try)?
Grupos de Verbos Comuns
Verbos + Gerúndio
- • Enjoy
- • Finish
- • Avoid
- • Mind
- • Suggest
- • Consider
- • Deny
- • Admit
Verbos + Infinitivo
- • Decide
- • Agree
- • Hope
- • Plan
- • Promise
- • Want
- • Learn
- • Refuse
Verbos + Objeto + Infinitivo
- • Ask
- • Tell
- • Advise
- • Allow
- • Force
- • Remind
- • Encourage
- • Persuade
Verbos + Gerúndio OU Infinitivo (Mesmo Sentido)
- • Start
- • Begin
- • Continue
- • Like
- • Love
- • Hate
- • Prefer
Verbos + Gerúndio OU Infinitivo (Sentido Diferente)
- • Stop
- • Remember
- • Forget
- • Try
- • Regret
- • Need
Exemplos por nível
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.
Fácil de confundir
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.
Erros comuns
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.
Padrões de frases
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.
Ouça os Padrões
Memorize Pares de Verbos
enjoy + -ing ou decide + to-infinitive. Flashcards podem ser seus melhores amigos, especialmente para os mais complicados! Flashcards can be your best friend here.
Preposições Sempre Vencem!
look forward to e be used to como exemplos comuns de 'to' funcionando como preposição, não parte do infinitivo. "If there's a preposition before the verb, it's almost certainly going to be a gerund."Nuances Formal vs. Informal
Use um Bom Dicionário
They often list the grammatical patterns associated with verbs.
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.
Pronúncia
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.
Memorize
Mnemônico
Prepositions are 'ing'-clined to take the gerund.
Associação visual
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
Desafio
Write 5 sentences about your career goals using at least 3 gerunds and 3 infinitives.
Notas culturais
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.
Iniciadores de conversa
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?
Temas para diário
Erros comuns
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
Exercicios praticos
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:
Match the verbs with the correct form:
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:
Match the verbs with the phrase that correctly completes them:
Score: /12
Perguntas frequentes (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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