How to Use Gerunds and Infinitives in English – PDF
In English, verbs can be followed by either a gerund (the -ing form) or an infinitive (to + base form). The choice between using a gerund or an infinitive depends on the verb preceding it, and sometimes the meaning of the sentence can change based on which form is used. Let’s practice with the following exercises to strengthen your understanding of gerunds and infinitives.
Complete the sentences with the correct form of the verb (gerund or infinitive).
- I enjoy (read) ____ books before going to bed.
- She refused (help) ____ with the project.
- They are looking forward to (meet) ____ you at the party.
- He decided (buy) ____ a new car.
- We are thinking about (move) ____ to a new city.
- I can’t imagine (live) ____ without music.
- She promised (call) ____ me back later.
- He suggested (go) ____ for a walk.
- I hope (finish) ____ my homework soon.
- She avoided (talk) ____ to him after the argument.
In these exercises, you’ll notice that some verbs are typically followed by gerunds, like enjoy, suggest, and avoid, while others are followed by infinitives, such as refuse, hope, and decide. Mastering these differences will help you become more fluent in English.
Key Takeaways
Use the infinitive (to + verb) after verbs like decide, refuse, hope, and promise.
Use the gerund (verb + -ing) after verbs like enjoy, avoid, suggest, and after prepositions (e.g., looking forward to).