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.

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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

She avoids _______ during the movie.

2 / 10

Can you imagine _______ in a big castle?

3 / 10

The teacher recommended _______ this book.

4 / 10

He intends _______ his own business next year.

5 / 10

She quit _______ years ago.

6 / 10

They agreed _______ at the park after school.

7 / 10

He promised _______ her with her homework.

8 / 10

He didn’t mean ________ you.

9 / 10

We expect _______ the project by next week.

10 / 10

We enjoy _______ to the beach in the summer.

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

Choose the correct answer to fill the gaps.

1 / 10

He enjoys _______ letters to his friends.

2 / 10

They keep _______ even when it’s hard.

3 / 10

I stopped _______ three months ago. I have felt much heathier ever since.

4 / 10

I miss _______ cartoons Sunday morning.

5 / 10

They plan _______ their grandparents this weekend.

6 / 10

She denied _______ anything about the surprise party.

7 / 10

She can’t stand _______ early on Saturdays.

8 / 10

She is learning _______ the guitar.

9 / 10

I hope _______ to Italy next summer.

10 / 10

She decided _______ a new dress for the party.

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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

He admitted the window. (break)

3 / 10

She wants a doctor. (become)

4 / 10

I’ve decided a new phone. (buy)

5 / 10

She enjoys in the ocean. (swim)

6 / 10

They hope their exams. (to pass)

7 / 10

They avoided in traffic. (drive)

8 / 10

I miss to my grandma. (talk)

9 / 10

We recommend the party. (cancel)

10 / 10

We plan a new house. (build)

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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