IntermediateVerbs
Learn Gerunds and Infinitives in English
Choose between -ing forms and to + verb after verbs and prepositions.
- Learning goal
- Recognize and use this pattern in context.
- Practice
- 10 randomized questions with explanations.
- Suggested workflow
- Study the examples, then take the quiz.
Grammar Focus
Gerunds and infinitives are two verb forms that function as nouns in a sentence. Knowing which to use after a verb or preposition is one of the most important skills for intermediate English learners. The good news is that the rules are learnable — and with practice, the right form will start to feel natural.
- A gerund is the -ing form of a verb used as a noun: *Swimming is great exercise.* / *I enjoy reading.*
- An infinitive is to + base verb: *She wants to travel.* / *He decided to stay.*
- Some verbs are always followed by a gerund: enjoy, finish, avoid, consider, keep, mind, suggest, practise
- Some verbs are always followed by an infinitive: want, need, decide, plan, hope, agree, refuse, manage, offer
- Some verbs can be followed by either form with little change in meaning: like, love, hate, begin, start, continue, prefer
- After prepositions (in, on, about, at, for, without, after, before), always use a gerund: *She left without saying goodbye.*
Form & Structure
Verbs Followed by Gerund
enjoy, finish, avoid, consider, keep + verb-ing
I enjoy swimming in the morning.
She finished writing the report by noon.
He avoids eating junk food as much as possible.
Verbs Followed by Infinitive
want, need, decide, plan, hope + to + base verb
She wants to travel to Japan next year.
They decided to move to a bigger apartment.
He hopes to finish the project before Friday.
Verbs with Both
like, love, hate, begin, start + gerund or infinitive (similar meaning)
I love reading / I love to read — both are correct.
She started working / She started to work at eight o'clock.
He hates waiting / He hates to wait for the bus in the rain.
Common Mistakes
Using an infinitive after a preposition
She left without to say goodbye.
She left without saying goodbye.
Tip: After any preposition (without, after, before, about, in, on, for), always use a gerund, not an infinitive.
Using a gerund after verbs that require an infinitive
He decided moving to a new city.
He decided to move to a new city.
Tip: Verbs like decide, want, need, hope, plan, agree, and refuse must be followed by an infinitive (to + base verb).
Using an infinitive after verbs that require a gerund
I enjoy to read before bed.
I enjoy reading before bed.
Tip: Verbs like enjoy, finish, avoid, consider, keep, suggest, and mind must be followed by a gerund (verb + -ing).
Why This Grammar Matters
Talking about hobbies and interests
“I love cooking Italian food on weekends.”
“She enjoys hiking in the mountains every summer.”
Making plans and decisions
“We decided to book the hotel in advance.”
“He plans to start a new course next month.”
Giving advice or making suggestions
“Have you considered applying for that job?”
“She suggested taking a different route to avoid traffic.”
Talking about things you need or want to do
“I need to finish this task before the meeting.”
“They want to travel abroad this summer.”