When using English verbs, it's important to understand when to use a gerund or an infinitive. A gerund is a verb form that ends in "-ing" and functions as a noun, while an infinitive is a verb form that usually starts with "to" and can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb.
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| How to use the gerund and infinitive after certain verbs |
Certain verbs are always followed by a gerund or an infinitive, and it's important to know which to use in order to convey the correct meaning. Here are some guidelines for using gerunds and infinitives after certain verbs:
Verbs followed by gerunds:
- enjoy
- finish
- keep
- practice
- suggest
- avoid
- consider
- admit
- deny
- imagine
Example: She enjoys playing tennis.
Verbs followed by infinitives:
- agree
- decide
- hope
- plan
- promise
- refuse
- seem
- want
- appear
- attempt
Example: He decided to go to the party.
Verbs that can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive, but with a change in meaning:
- start
- try
- like
- love
- hate
Example: He started jogging. (gerund)
Example: He started to jog. (infinitive)
Verbs that can be followed by a gerund or an infinitive, with no change in meaning:
- continue
- begin
- prefer
- can't stand
- remember
Example: She continued talking. (gerund)
Example: She continued to talk. (infinitive)
It's important to note that some verbs can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive, but the choice depends on the meaning you want to convey. In these cases, it's important to pay attention to the context of the sentence and choose the appropriate verb form accordingly.
In summary, when using gerunds and infinitives after certain verbs, it's important to know which verb form to use in order to convey the correct meaning. Certain verbs are always followed by a gerund or an infinitive, while others can be followed by either with a change in meaning or with no change in meaning.
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