Learning the difference between gerunds and infinitives is challenging when learning English. Gerunds are formed using the verb plus "-ing" and can function as the subject of a clause or after prepositions. Infinitives use "to" plus the verb and are used after modal verbs or verbs not followed by gerunds. Some verbs like "forget" or verbs of preference can take either a gerund or infinitive but the meaning may change depending on which is used.

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