1. GERUNDS AND INFINITIVES
Learning how to use gerunds
and infinitives is one of the
most challenging aspects of
learning English. Here is a brief
review of the differences
between gerunds and infinitives.

2. Gerund Vs Infinitive
Base Form: verb
SHARE
Infinitive: TO + verb
TO SHARE
Gerund: verb + ING
SHARING

3. BASE FORM
The bare infinitive is used after certain verbs:
- modal verbs (except ought to + have to)
I might go to London next weekend

4. GERUNDS
Form
ing form of the verb
Exceptions in Spelling → Exceptions
Use
as the subject of a clause: Cycling is good for your
health.
after prepositions: Before going to bed he turned off
the lights.
after certain verbs: avoid, enjoy, imagine, spend,
suggest, recommend, … I enjoy cooking.

5. INFINITIVES
Form
To + verb
Use
After verbs not followed by gerund: He wants to
swim.
after interrogatives (infinitive constructions):
They don’t know how to swim.
after adjectives : Nice to meet you.
after nouns : We made a promise to swim.

6. VERBS FOLLOWED BY
TO INFINITIVE / ING
Some verbs can be included in both lists but, be careful,
they can change their meaning:
NO CHANGE CHANGE
Verbs of preference can be Forget
followed by a gerund or a to PAST REFERENCE +ING
infinitive: like, dislike, hate, I forgot closing the front door.
don’t mind, love,… FUTURE REFERENCE
I love swimming
I love to swim.
+TO INFINITVE
Don´t forget to phone your father

7. VERBS FOLLOWED BY
TO INFINITIVE / ING
Some verbs can be included in both lists but, be careful,
they can change their meaning:
NO CHANGE CHANGE
Verbs of preference can be Forget
followed by a gerund or a to PAST REFERENCE +ING
infinitive: like, dislike, hate, I forgot closing the front door.
don’t mind, love,… FUTURE REFERENCE
I love swimming
I love to swim.
+TO INFINITVE
Don´t forget to phone your father