ESL Inventory

Gerund or Infinitive: Examples & Exercises

When we use verbs in English, we sometimes need to use them in special forms: the gerund (verb + -ing) or the infinitive (to + verb). Here they are no longer seen as conjugated verbs, but as nouns, objects and complements. Both forms are important, but we use them in different ways. Below, you see cases in which gerund or infinitive can be used with slight difference in meaning.

What is gerund?
What is infinitive?
Gerund vs infinitive rules in English with examples and verb lists. ESL infographic showing when to use -ing or to + verb, including stop, try, forget, verbs of preference, and verbs of perception.
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When Verbs Can Take Both Forms

Some verbs can use both be followed by the gerund and the infinitive, but the meaning changes. Let’s look at a few examples:

VerbGerund MeaningInfinitive Meaning
stopShe stopped smoking.
(She doesn’t smoke anymore.)		He stopped to smoke.
(He paused to have a cigarette.)
rememberI remember meeting her.
(I recall the meeting.)		Remember to meet her. (Don’t forget to meet her.)
tryTry opening the window. (Experiment with this.)I tried to open the window. (Make an effort to do this.)
forgetI’ll never forget meeting you.
(I will always remember this moment.)		Don’t forget to lock the door.
(Make sure to do this.)
regretI regretted lying to my mom.
(I feel bad that I did it)		We regret to inform you your application wasn’t accepted.
(giving bad news)

Verbs of Preference

Some typical verbs of preference are:

  • like, love, hate, prefer
  • can’t stand, enjoy (gerund only)

The difference is:

  • Gerund → general preference / habits
  • Infinitive → specific situation, often temporary or polite

Examples:

  • I like swimming (= in general)
  • I like to swim in the morning (= specific routine)
  • She hates waiting (= general dislike)
  • She hates to interrupt (= polite, situational)

Meaning change with ‘like’, ‘love’, ‘hate’, ‘prefer’ is subtle and often ignored.

Verbs of Perception

Some typical verbs of perception are: see, hear, watch, notice, feel. The difference is:

  • Gerund → action in progress (partial)
  • Bare infinitive → whole action, from start to finish

Examples:

  • I saw him crossing the street (a part of the action)
  • I saw him cross the street (entire action)

Exercises on gerund or infinitive

Make you sure you study the lists of verbs that are only followed by gerund or infinitive.

EXERCISE: Gerund (-ing) or infinitive? (ROUND 1)

Choose the correct answer to fill the gaps.

1 / 10

He promised _______ her with her homework.

2 / 10

The teacher recommended _______ this book.

3 / 10

He intends _______ his own business next year.

4 / 10

We enjoy _______ to the beach in the summer.

5 / 10

She quit _______ years ago.

6 / 10

Can you imagine _______ in a big castle?

7 / 10

He didn’t mean ________ you.

8 / 10

We expect _______ the project by next week.

9 / 10

They agreed _______ at the park after school.

10 / 10

She avoids _______ during the movie.

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EXERCISE: Gerund (-ing) or infinitive? (ROUND 2)

Choose the correct answer to fill the gaps.

1 / 10

I hope _______ to Italy next summer.

2 / 10

He began _______ a letter to his friend.

3 / 10

I finished _______ the book last night.

4 / 10

She risks _______ her job if she is late again.

5 / 10

I miss _______ cartoons Sunday morning.

6 / 10

She is learning _______ the guitar.

7 / 10

She decided _______ a new dress for the party.

8 / 10

She denied _______ anything about the surprise party.

9 / 10

They plan _______ their grandparents this weekend.

10 / 10

They keep _______ even when it’s hard.

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EXERCISE: Gerund (-ing) or infinitive? – Fill the Gaps

Write the correct answer to fill the gaps. Use the word in brackets.

1 / 10

He is preparing abroad. (move)

2 / 10

I miss to my grandma. (talk)

3 / 10

She enjoys in the ocean. (swim)

4 / 10

He admitted the window. (break)

5 / 10

We plan a new house. (build)

6 / 10

We recommend the party. (cancel)

7 / 10

I’ve decided a new phone. (buy)

8 / 10

They avoided in traffic. (drive)

9 / 10

They hope their exams. (to pass)

10 / 10

She wants a doctor. (become)

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More Exercises: PerfectEnglish1 | PerfectEnglish2 | PerfectEnglish3 | GrammarQuizzes-Cats | Thought Co | Ego4u1 | Ego4u2 | Ego4u3 | Ego4u4 | EnglishClub | UsingEnglish | AgendaWeb1 | AgendaWeb2 | AgendaWeb3 | AgendaWeb4 | TestEnglish | TestEnglish2 | TestEnglish3 | CarmenLu | MonsteMorales | EltBase | EltBase2 | Focus | UsingEnglish | BaladreInfo | Grammarism | UsefulEnglish1 | UsefulEnglish2 | EflNet1 | EflNet2 | EflNet3 | EflNet4 | EnglishPage1 | EnglishPage2 | EnglishPage3

What else would you like to study?

Conditionals
Indirect Questions
Paired Conjunctions