Gerunds and Infinitives

A gerund is the -ing form of a verb used as a noun (Swimming is fun). An infinitive is to + base verb (I want to swim). Some verbs are followed by one, some by the other, and some by both.

Verbs followed by a gerund (-ing)

avoid, enjoy, finish, mind, deny, suggest, admit, consider, practise, keep, miss, postpone, risk, give up, can't help, look forward to

Verbs followed by an infinitive (to + verb)

want, decide, hope, plan, agree, refuse, promise, afford, expect, manage, fail, offer, learn, seem, pretend

After prepositions: always the gerund

Verbs that take both — with a change in meaning

• stop: He stopped smoking (he quit). He stopped to smoke (he paused in order to smoke).
• remember / forget: I remember locking the door (I did it, and I recall it). Remember to lock the door (don't forget to do it).
• try: Try restarting the computer (as an experiment). I tried to lift the box (made an effort).
• regret: I regret telling him (I told him and I'm sorry). We regret to inform you (we are sorry to tell you now).

Verbs that take both with little difference

like, love, hate, begin, start, continue

Bare infinitive (no "to")

After modals, let, make, and usually help: