English – Gerunds and Infinitives Rules – 2AS – Letters

Gerunds and Infinitives Rules and Usage

Knowing when to use gerunds and infinitives is important for correct English usage.

Gerund Verb+ing

Used as subject: Swimming is healthy. After prepositions: interested in reading. After certain verbs: enjoy avoid suggest finish mind.

Infinitive To+verb

Used to express purpose: I went to study. After certain verbs: want need decide promise hope agree. After adjectives: It is important to learn.

Verbs that take both

Some verbs change meaning: Stop smoking quit permanently vs Stop to smoke pause in order to. Remember to do vs remember doing.

Exercises

Choose correct form: 1) I enjoy read/reading. 2) She decided to study/studying medicine. 3) He stopped to smoke/smoking because of his health.

See Gerunds Infinitives and Grammar.