Gerunds and Infinitives: The Complete Guide

Undoubtedly, the proper use of gerunds and infinitives is a common conundrum among English learners. In this lesson, learn when to use gerunds and infinitives.

How to Form a Gerund

A gerund is a noun made from a verb added with “-ing.” On the other hand, a negative gerund is formed by adding “not.”

main verb + -ing

She enjoys working.

not + main verb + -ing

The best thing for your health is not drinking.

Uses of a Gerund

You can use a gerund as the subject, the direct object, the subject complement, the object complement, the object of a preposition, and object of a possessive.

Gerund as subject

Reading increases your knowledge. 

Gerund as direct object

I enjoy reading. 

Gerund as subject complement

My favorite hobby is reading.

Gerund as object complement

I heard my mother crying in her room.

Gerund as object of a preposition

She is focused on improving her English skills.

Gerund as object of a possessive

Stop with your whining already!

How to Form an Infinitive

Infinitives are the “to” form of the verb. Moreover, to form the negative infinitive, add “not”.

to + main verb

She appears to have an allergy to shellfish.

not + to + main verb

She decided not to tell the team about the issue.

Uses of an Infinitive

You can also use an infinitive as the subject, the direct object, subject complement, an adjective, or an adverb.

Infinitive as subject

To learn is important. 

Infinitive as direct object

He wants to learn. 

Infinitive as subject complement

The most important thing is to learn. 

Infinitive as an adjective

They didn’t make the decision to go.

Infinitive as an adverb

She took the yoga class to try to relieve herself from stress.

Gerunds and Infinitives

Both gerunds and infinitives can be used as the subject or the complement of a sentence. However, as subjects or complements, gerunds usually sound more like normal, spoken English, whereas infinitives sound more abstract.

On the other hand, infinitives emphasize the possibility or potential for something and sound more philosophical. Moreover, if this sounds confusing, just remember that 90% of the time, you will use a gerund as the subject or complement of a sentence. Hence, in the following sentences, gerunds sound more natural and would be more common in everyday English.

As Subject or Complement

Learning is important. normal subject

To learn is important. abstract subject – less common

The most important thing is learning. normal complement

The most important thing is to learn. abstract complement – less common

As the object

It is more difficult to choose between a gerund or an infinitive. In such situations, both are not normally interchangeable. Usually, the main verb in the sentence determines whether you use a gerund or an infinitive.

He enjoys dancing. “Enjoy” requires a gerund.

He wants to dance. “Want” requires an infinitive.

Some verbs are followed by gerunds as objects.

She suggested going to a museum.

Ellen imagines swimming in the pool.

Verbs followed by gerunds:  avoid, consider, recommend, postpone, etc.

Note that some verbs are followed by infinitives.

She wants to travel abroad.

Ben needs to talk about his problems.

After the verbs agree, ask, decide, intend, fail, etc., an infinitive follows.

Additionally, some verbs are usually followed by a gerund. However, they can also be followed by a noun + infinitive. In this case, using a noun + infinitive will usually change who is performing the action.

I advised taking the train. in general

I advised him to take the train. He will take the train.

After a preposition

Gerunds are used after prepositions. Most commonly, these are “verb + preposition” combinations.

They admitted to committing the crime.

My husband made up for forgetting our anniversary.

He is thinking about studying abroad.

Remember that there are many “adjective + preposition” combinations and “noun + preposition” combinations in English as well. These are also followed by gerunds.

Simon is scared of flying. adjective + preposition

Nelly is anxious about taking the examination. adjective + preposition

Her interest in becoming a professional figure skater was well known. noun + preposition

Mark’s story about going inside a cave was really exciting. noun + preposition

Gerunds and Infinitives Exercise

Answer this exercise on gerunds and infinitives.

3. She would like ______ on a vacation with him.

a. to go

b. going

c. go

4. The children enjoy _____ in the pool in summer.

a. to swim

b. swimming

c. swim

5. He kept ______ the boss questions during the meeting.

a. to ask

b. asking

c. ask

6. I considered ______ in Spain.

a. to live

b. living

c. live

7. Unfortunately, our family can’t afford _____ a house this year.

a. to buy

b. buying

c. buy

8. They risked _____ caught.

a. to be

b. being

c. be

9. They seem _____ laughing.

a. to be

b. being

c. be

10. She’d hate _____ too early.

a. to arrive

b. arriving

c. arrive

Find the answers to this exercise here.

See also: Verb + -ing/infinitive: Like and Gerunds after Prepositions

For additional information on this topic, check out this British Council lesson.

For other English grammar lessons, go to this page.