Gerunds vs Infinitives: Which One to Use? (B1-B2 Guide)

Introduction

If you have ever wondered whether to say “I enjoy to read” or “I enjoy reading”, you are not alone. Choosing between gerunds and infinitives is one of the most common challenges for English learners at the B1 and B2 levels. Getting this right will make your English sound much more natural and fluent.

What Are Gerunds and Infinitives?

A gerund is the -ing form of a verb that acts as a noun. For example, “swimming” in “I love swimming.”

An infinitive is the base form of a verb with to. For example, “to swim” in “I want to swim.”

Both can function as subjects, objects, or complements in a sentence. The tricky part is that some verbs are followed by gerunds, some by infinitives, and some by both — sometimes with a change in meaning.

Rules for Gerunds vs Infinitives

1. Gerunds follow certain verbs — Common verbs that take gerunds include: enjoy, avoid, suggest, finish, mind, practice, consider, admit, deny, recommend. Example: She suggested going to the cinema.
2. Infinitives follow certain verbs — Common verbs that take infinitives include: want, need, decide, hope, plan, promise, offer, refuse, learn, seem. Example: They decided to leave early.
3. Gerunds after prepositions — When a verb comes after a preposition, use the gerund. Example: Thank you for helping me.
4. Infinitives after adjectives — Many adjectives are followed by an infinitive. Example: It is important to study regularly.
5. Both forms with different meanings — Some verbs change meaning depending on the form. For example: I remember locking the door (I recall doing it) vs. I remember to lock the door (I didn’t forget).
6. Both forms with same meaning — Verbs like like, love, hate, begin, start, continue can take either form with no difference in meaning. Example: I like swimming = I like to swim.

How to Use Gerunds and Infinitives Step by Step

Step 1: Identify the main verb

Look at the verb that comes before the gap. Is it a verb that usually takes a gerund or an infinitive? Keep a list of these verbs in your notebook.

Step 2: Check for prepositions

If there is a preposition before the verb (like in, on, at, for, without), you must use the gerund. Example: She is interested in learning Spanish.

Step 3: Consider the meaning

For verbs like remember, forget, stop, try, regret, the choice changes the meaning. For example: I stopped smoking (I quit) vs. I stopped to smoke (I paused what I was doing in order to smoke).

Step 4: Use a gerund as a subject

When a verb is the subject of a sentence, use the gerund. Example: Running is good exercise. (Not: To run is good exercise — though this is grammatically correct, it sounds formal and less natural.)

Step 5: Use an infinitive after certain expressions

Expressions like it is + adjective or too/enough often require an infinitive. Example: It is too cold to go outside.

Examples in Sentences

• I enjoy cooking Italian food on weekends.
• She wants to become a doctor when she grows up.
• He suggested taking a break after two hours of work.
• We decided to move to a bigger apartment.
• I am afraid of flying, so I prefer trains.
• They promised to help us with the project.
• She avoided looking at her phone during the meeting.
• I need to finish this report before 5 PM.
• He stopped eating meat last year for health reasons.
• I regret to inform you that your application was unsuccessful. (formal announcement)
• I regret telling him my secret. (I wish I hadn’t told him)
• It is easy to learn the basics of grammar with practice.

Common Mistakes with Gerunds and Infinitives

• Mistake 1: ❌ I enjoy to swim in the ocean.
  ✅ I enjoy swimming in the ocean.
• Mistake 2: ❌ She suggested to go to the park.
  ✅ She suggested going to the park.
• Mistake 3: ❌ He is interested to learn French.
  ✅ He is interested in learning French.
• Mistake 4: ❌ I look forward to meet you.
  ✅ I look forward to meeting you. (Here to is a preposition, not part of the infinitive!)
• Mistake 5: ❌ They made me to wait for an hour.
  ✅ They made me wait for an hour. (After make + object, use the bare infinitive without to.)

Quick Summary

• Gerunds (-ing form) act as nouns and follow certain verbs, prepositions, and can be subjects.
• Infinitives (to + base verb) follow other verbs, adjectives, and certain expressions.
• Some verbs change meaning with gerund vs infinitive (e.g., remember, stop, try).
• Some verbs work with both forms with no change in meaning (e.g., like, start, continue).
• Always check if to is a preposition (followed by gerund) or part of an infinitive.

Practice Exercises

Fill in the blanks with the correct form (gerund or infinitive) of the verb in parentheses.

1. I can’t stand __________ (wait) in long queues.
2. She offered __________ (drive) us to the airport.
3. He admitted __________ (break) the window by accident.
4. We are looking forward to __________ (see) you next week.
5. It is impossible __________ (finish) this work by noon.

Answers:

1. waiting
2. to drive
3. breaking
4. seeing
5. to finish

Conclusion

Mastering gerunds and infinitives takes time and practice, but understanding the basic rules will help you avoid the most common errors. Keep a list of verbs that take each form, and pay attention to whether to is a preposition or part of an infinitive. With regular practice, choosing the right form will become second nature.

FAQ

1. What is the difference between a gerund and an infinitive?

A gerund is the -ing form of a verb used as a noun (e.g., swimming). An infinitive is the base form of a verb preceded by to (e.g., to swim). They can both act as nouns, but they follow different verbs and grammatical rules.

2. Can I use a gerund after a preposition?

Yes, always. After any preposition (like in, on, at, for, without, about), you must use a gerund. For example: She is good at dancing (not at to dance).

3. Why does “I stopped smoking” mean something different from “I stopped to smoke”?

In “I stopped smoking”, smoking is the object of stopped, meaning you quit the activity. In “I stopped to smoke”, the infinitive to smoke shows purpose — you stopped what you were doing in order to smoke.

4. Is it ever correct to use a gerund as a subject?

Yes, it is very common and natural. For example: Running is good for your health. Using an infinitive as a subject (To run is good for your health) is grammatically correct but sounds formal and is less common in everyday speech.