Gerunds vs. Infinitives – Easy Comparisons

Understanding when to use a gerund or an infinitive is one of the trickiest parts of learning English grammar. Many learners and even native speakers find themselves puzzled by whether to say “I enjoy reading” or “I enjoy to read.”

What makes it more complex is that there are no shortcuts. Some verbs prefer gerunds, some prefer infinitives, and some accept both with different meanings.

This guide makes it easier. In simple, clear terms, we’ll break down the differences, provide detailed comparisons, and use real examples that stick.

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What Are Gerunds and Infinitives?

What is a gerund?

A gerund is the -ing form of a verb that acts like a noun in a sentence. Even though it looks like a verb, it plays the role of a thing.

Examples of gerunds used as nouns:

1. Swimming is good for your heart.

2. I enjoy reading before bed.

3. She loves painting landscapes.

4. Running every day keeps me fit.

Notice how in all examples, the gerund is doing what a noun usually does. It’s the subject or object of the sentence.

What is an infinitive?

An infinitive is the base form of the verb with “to” in front. It also behaves like a noun in many cases.

Examples of infinitives:

1. I want to sleep early tonight.

2. He agreed to help with the cleaning.

3. They decided to leave before sunset.

4. She refused to participate in the game.

In each sentence, the infinitive is the object of the main verb.

Why Do English Learners Struggle With Gerunds vs. Infinitives?

English does not have fixed rules that always explain when to use a gerund or infinitive. Instead, usage often depends on the main verb, meaning, and context.

According to several studies in second language acquisition, including a recent University of Nottingham paper, learners tend to overgeneralize one form and avoid the other because of a lack of exposure to natural spoken and written English. That is why practice and understanding verb patterns are essential.

When Do You Use a Gerund?

Some verbs are followed only by gerunds. Here are a few common ones:

Verbs followed by gerunds:

• enjoy

• avoid

• admit

• finish

• suggest

• deny

• keep

• mind

Examples:

1. I enjoy playing chess with friends.

2. She suggested meeting earlier tomorrow.

3. They avoided talking about the past.

4. He admitted cheating during the game.

In all these cases, using an infinitive would sound unnatural or be grammatically wrong.

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When Do You Use an Infinitive?

Some verbs are followed only by infinitives. These include:

Verbs followed by infinitives:

• want

• need

• decide

• promise

• plan

• hope

• learn

• refuse

Examples:

1. We decided to cancel the trip.

2. She wants to be a doctor.

3. I hope to see you soon.

4. He promised to return the money.

Trying to use a gerund here would break the flow or sound incorrect.

What Verbs Accept Both Gerunds and Infinitives?

Some verbs allow both forms, but the meaning may stay the same or change.

Verbs where the meaning is the same:

• begin

• start

• continue

• like

• love

Examples (same meaning):

1. I like cooking.

2. I like to cook.

3. She started crying.

4. She started to cry.

Verbs where the meaning changes:

Examples with different meanings:

1. I stopped smoking. (I quit the habit.)

2. I stopped to smoke. (I paused what I was doing so I could smoke.)

3. She remembered locking the door. (She recalled doing it.)

4. She remembered to lock the door. (She did not forget to do it.)

5. He tried opening the window. (He experimented with it.)

6. He tried to open the window. (He made an effort.)

How Can You Know Which to Use?

What helps determine the correct form?

1. Learn the main verb pattern. Some verbs simply take one form or the other.

2. Pay attention to meaning. As shown above, meaning often guides usage.

3. Read and listen more. The more exposure you have to natural English, the more you develop intuition for what sounds right.

4. Practice in context. Create your own examples or speak them aloud.

Recent studies in applied linguistics suggest that learners who frequently read fiction and newspapers develop stronger intuitive grammar patterns, especially when it comes to non-rule-based areas like gerunds and infinitives.

Comparison Table: Gerunds vs. Infinitives

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can you start a sentence with a gerund or infinitive?

Yes. Both forms can act as the subject of a sentence.

• Swimming makes me happy.

• To swim every morning helps clear the mind.

2. Do all verbs take either form?

No. Some verbs strictly accept either the gerund or the infinitive. Others accept both but with different meanings.

3. Can a gerund be part of a phrasal verb?

Yes. In fact, gerunds are often used after phrasal verbs.

• He ended up leaving early.

• She looks forward to seeing you.

Infinitives do not work naturally in those places.

4. Are there exceptions?

Yes. English has many exceptions. For example, the verb help can take both:

• She helped me cook.

• She helped me to cook.

Both are correct and commonly used.

5. How can I master the difference?

Practice, read frequently, listen actively to native speakers, and take note of real sentence structures. Try creating your own examples and get feedback if possible.

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Final Thoughts

Understanding the difference between gerunds and infinitives is not about memorizing hundreds of rules. It is about seeing how they function inside real English sentences.

It is about patterns, context, and exposure. If you focus on these things, the confusion clears. The next time you wonder if it’s “enjoy to dance” or “enjoy dancing,” you’ll know exactly what to choose.