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INFINITIVES vs. GERUNDS
An infinitive is the full form of a verb before it is conjugated into one of the twelve verb tenses.
In English, infinitives begin with the word “to” as in “to drink” or “to write.”
A gerund looks like a verb with the progressive “-ing” ending but really functions as a noun instead:
How do you know which one to use?
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First, use these two general principles:
1. In general, when you want to use a verb as the subject, use the gerund form. (Using the infinitive is
acceptable in writing but is too formal in conversation!)
2. Infinitives are used to show purpose or reason and can be a reduction of “in order to.” When an
infinitive occurs at the beginning of a sentence with the meaning “in order to,” notice the comma
after the clause:
Example: To improve your writing, visit the UNTD Writing Center regularly!
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Some verbs are followed by a gerund and some by an infinitive. Below is a guide:
o Verbs followed by an INFINITIVE:
 Afford, agree, ask, decide, demand, deserve, expect, hesitate, hope, intend, know how,
learn, need, offer, plan, pretend, promise, refuse, want, would like
o Verbs followed by a GERUND:
 Appreciate, avoid, can’t help, consider, delay, detest, discuss, dislike, dread, enjoy,
finish, get through, go (shopping), insist on, keep on, look forward to, miss, postpone,
practice, put off, quit, recommend, risk, suggest, think about, be tired of, be used to
o Verbs that can be followed by gerunds OR infinitives whose meaning does not differ:
 Begin, can’t stand, continue, hate, like, love, prefer, start
Example: “I hate to eat asparagus.”
“I hate eating asparagus”
Same meaning o Verbs that can be followed by gerunds OR infinitives whose meaning differs:
 Remember, stop, forget, try
Example: “I forgot to meet Bill at the office.” (You did not meet Bill.)
“I forgot meeting Bill at the office.” (You met Bill but forgot you did.)
Notice: Each of these verbs relates to asking or telling somebody something o Verbs followed by a noun or pronoun + INFINITIVE:
 Advise, allow, ask, cause, convince, expect, forbid, force, get, invite, need, order, permit,
persuade, remind, teach, tell, urge, want, warn, would like
Example: I would like you to teach me how to cook tamales.
o Verbs followed by a noun or pronoun + BASE FORM of a verb:
 Make, let, have, help
Example: Help me wash the dishes.