To Swim or Swimming? the ‘–ing’ and Infinitive Forms

Choosing between the infinitive (to + base verb) and the “-ing” form (verb + “-ing”) is one of the most common challenges in English grammar. Both forms have specific uses and rules depending on the context and the verb that precedes them. Knowing when to use each can help you sound more natural and accurate in both spoken and written English.

Let’s break down the differences between the “-ing” form and the infinitive to help you master these structures!

1. Understanding the “-ing” Form

The “-ing” form can function as a gerund or a present participle, depending on its role in the sentence. When the “-ing” form acts as a noun, it is called a gerund, and when it acts as a verb or adjective, it is called a present participle.

1.1. The Gerund: Using “-ing” as a Noun

The gerund form is the noun version of the verb. It often appears in these contexts:

• As the Subject of a Sentence:
  • Running is a good way to stay fit.
  • (“Running” is the subject of the verb “is.”)
• As the Object of a Verb:
  • I enjoy reading.
  • (“Reading” is the object of the verb “enjoy.”)
• After Prepositions:
  • She’s interested in learning Spanish.
  • (“Learning” is used after the preposition “in.”)

1.2. The Present Participle: Using “-ing” as a Verb or Adjective

The present participle is the “-ing” form used in continuous tenses or as an adjective:

• In Continuous Tenses:
  • I am studying right now.
  • (Present continuous tense: “am studying.”)
• As an Adjective:
  • It’s a very interesting book.
  • (“Interesting” describes the book.)

2. Using the Infinitive

The infinitive form is the base form of the verb preceded by “to” (to eat, to sleep, to dance). Infinitives express purpose, intent, or future actions.

2.1. Infinitives as the Object

Infinitives often act as the object of verbs that express wants, needs, or desires.

• He wants to learn French.
• They hope to travel next year.

2.2. Infinitives After Adjectives

Infinitives are commonly used after adjectives to express a reaction or feeling.

• It’s difficult to explain.
• She’s eager to start.

2.3. Infinitives to Show Purpose

Infinitives can indicate the purpose or reason for an action.

• I came here to talk to you.
• She went to the store to buy some groceries.

3. Choosing Between “-ing” and Infinitive: Verb Patterns

Some verbs can be followed by either the -ing form or the infinitive, but the meaning often changes. Below are some common patterns and their meanings.

3.1. Verbs Followed by the “-ing” Form Only

These verbs usually express likes, dislikes, or habits:

• enjoy, avoid, finish, consider, mind, deny, suggest, recommend, practice, imagine

Examples:

• He enjoys reading books.
• She avoided talking about the issue.

3.2. Verbs Followed by the Infinitive Only

These verbs express decisions, intentions, or desires:

• want, decide, hope, plan, learn, promise, refuse, afford, agree, need, fail, offer

Examples:

• I want to learn Italian.
• They decided to go on vacation.

3.3. Verbs Followed by Both “-ing” and the Infinitive with Different Meanings

Some verbs can take either the -ing form or the infinitive, but the meaning changes significantly:

1. Remember:
   • Remember + -ing: Refers to past memories.
     • I remember meeting him last year.
       (I recall the memory of meeting him.)
   • Remember + infinitive: Refers to future obligations.
     • Remember to meet him at 5 p.m.
       (Don’t forget to meet him.)
2. Stop:
   • Stop + -ing: To end an action completely.
     • He stopped smoking.
       (He quit smoking.)
   • Stop + infinitive: To pause an action in order to do something else.
     • He stopped to smoke.
       (He paused his current activity to have a smoke.)
3. Try:
   • Try + -ing: To experiment with an action.
     • Try turning it off and on again.
       (Experiment to see if this solves the problem.)
   • Try + infinitive: To make an effort to do something difficult.
     • Try to solve this equation.
       (It’s challenging, but make an effort.)

4. Common Mistakes with “-ing” and Infinitives

1. Using the Wrong Form After Certain Verbs
   • Incorrect: I enjoy to swim.
   • Correct: I enjoy swimming.
2. Forgetting “to” in Infinitive Structures
   • Incorrect: I want go now.
   • Correct: I want to go now.
3. Using “to” Before Gerunds
   • Incorrect: He’s used to play football.
   • Correct: He’s used to playing football.

5. Quick Reference Chart: “-ing” vs. Infinitive