Download Infinitives vs. Gerunds An infinitive is the full form of a

Infinitives vs. Gerunds
An infinitive is the full form of a verb before it is conjugated into one of the twelve verb tenses.
In Spanish, “beber” or “escribir” are infinitives before we conjugate them into “ha bebido” or “estoy
escribiendo,” etc.
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?
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:
Ex. To improve your writing, visit the UNTD Writing Center regularly!
Some verbs are followed by a gerund and some by an infinitive. Below is a guide:
•
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
•
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
•
Verbs that can be followed by gerunds OR infinitives whose meaning does not
differ:
Begin, can’t stand, continue, hate, like, love, prefer, start
Ex. “I hate to eat asparagus.”
“I hate eating asparagus”
•
Same meaning
Verbs that can be followed by gerunds OR infinitives whose meaning differs:
Remember, stop, forget, try
Ex. “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
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
Ex. I would like you to teach me how to cook tamales.
•
Verbs followed by a noun or pronoun + BASE FORM of a verb:
Make, let, have, help
Ex. Help me wash the dishes.