Infinitive and gerund in the English language. Usage rules

08 Jun 18:31

6 min. read

Post cover: Infinitive and gerund in the English language. Usage rules

This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.

The infinitive (Infinitive) is a non-personal form of the verb that simply names the action and answers the questions “what to do?”, “what to make?”: to read, to dance.

The gerund (Gerund/ ing-form) is a non-personal form of the verb with the ending -ing, which has properties of both a verb and a noun. Like the infinitive, the gerund names the action. In a sentence, the gerund performs functions characteristic of both a verb and a noun: We like dancing. Smoking is dangerous for your health.

Rules for using the infinitive and gerund.

The infinitive with the particle to (Full Infinitive) is used in the following cases.

To express intentions - He went to meet me.
After the constructions would like, would love, would prefer - I would like to drink some coffee.
After adjectives such as glad, happy, angry, sorry, pleased - I’m glad to see you.
After verbs such as advise, agree, appear, decide, expect, hope, manage, offer, promise, refuse, seem, want - We decided to catch a taxi.
After interrogative words that serve as conjunctions (who, how, what, where, which) - We don’t know how to get there.
With the words too, enough - He is old enough to drive a car.

The infinitive without the particle to (Bare Infinitive) is used in the following cases.

After modal verbs - You must watch this film.
After verbs - make, let, see, hear, feel + object - He let me take his computer. She made me clean my room.
After the structures had better/would rather - We would better watch TV tonight.

The gerund (Gerund/ ing-form) is used in the following cases:

As a noun-subject - Walking is a good exercise.
After verbs love, like, dislike, hate, enjoy (to express preferences in general) - She likes reading books in the evening.
After the verb go, if we intend to talk about physical activity - He went swimming an hour ago.
After verbs such as start, begin, stop, finish, avoid, admit, appreciate, consider, continue, delay, deny, discuss, escape, excuse, forgive, imagine, involve, keep, mention, mind, miss, object to, practise, prevent, save, suggest, understand.
After expressions I’m busy, it’s no use, it’s (no) worth, it’s (no) good, what’s the use of, can’t help, can’t stand, look forward to, in addition to, as well as - What’s the use of buying a dishwasher?
After prepositions - She left without taking her umbrella. They are interested in taking this test.
After verbs see, hear, listen, watch to report an action that has not yet finished - She heard somebody speaking.

After the verbs to begin, to start, to continue, to intend, both the infinitive and gerund can be used without a difference in meaning - The child began laughing/ to laugh.

In combination with some verbs, the use of the infinitive or gerund depends on what exactly we want to express.

Remember/forgot + to-infinitive is used in the meaning of “not to forget” - I must remember to take my book. It’s very important. (I must not forget to take the book)

Remember/forgot + ing-form is used when we express memories of the past - I remember taking my son to the Zoo for the first time. (I remember (will never forget) taking my son to the zoo for the first time)

Regret + to-infinitive is used when we are sorry to say something (that is, we have to deliver bad news) - I regret to tell you that your washing machine is broken. (I regret to inform you that your washing machine is broken)

Regret + ing-form is used when we express sympathy regarding something that happened in the past - I regret telling you about my plans. Everything has changed by now. (I regret that I told you about my plans because everything has changed)

Stop + to-infinitive is used in the meaning of “to stop in order to do something else” - She stopped to pick up the coin she had dropped. (She stopped to pick up the coin she had dropped)

Stop + ing-form is used in the meaning of “to cease doing something” - She stopped reading aloud because her mother asked her to keep silent. (She stopped reading aloud because her mother asked her to be quiet)

Go on + to-infinitive is used in the meaning of “to perform another, next action” - He made himself a sandwich and went on to learn the rules. (He made himself a sandwich and then went to learn the rules)

Go on + ing-form is used in the meaning of “to continue doing something” - She asked her son a question, but he went on watching TV and didn’t hear her. (She asked her son, but he continued watching TV and didn’t hear her)

Try + to-infinitive is used in the meaning of “to do everything possible, to try” - I’m trying to find any mistakes in this work. (I’m trying to find any mistakes in this work)

Try + ing-form is used in the meaning of “to do something (to try) that may help solve the problem” - I tried opening the door, but it was locked from inside

Be sorry + to-infinitive is used in the meaning of “sorry, unfortunately” - I’m sorry to hear that you have failed the exam. (I’m sorry to hear that you didn’t pass the exam)

Be sorry + ing-form is used in the meaning of “sorry” - I’m sorry for being late. (I’m sorry for being late)

Mean + to-infinitive is used in the meaning of “to mean”, to express intention - I think you meant to send our friends invitation cards. (I think you meant to send our friends invitations)

Mean + ing-form is used in the meaning of “it means” - You have to fill in this form. It means writing your personal information. (You need to fill out the form. It means writing your personal information)