Overview
Master when to use gerunds (-ing) and infinitives (to + verb) after verbs, adjectives, and prepositions in English.
Gerund (-ing) or Infinitive (to)?
- gerund verbsenjoy, suggest, admit, avoid, finish, keep, deny — + -ing
- infinitive verbshope, decide, promise, refuse, manage, agree — + to
- both possiblestop, remember, try, like — meaning changes!
- after prepositionsgood at solving / interested in learning
Meaning changes
- stop + -ing: He stopped smoking. (ended the habit)
- stop + to: He stopped to smoke. (stopped to have a cigarette)
- remember + -ing: I remember meeting her. (past memory)
- remember + to: Remember to call him. (don't forget)
Common Mistakes
- ❌ She enjoys to read. → ✅ She enjoys reading.
- ❌ He refused signing. → ✅ He refused to sign.
- ❌ I look forward to see you. → ✅ look forward to seeing (preposition).
When to use
Daily conversation
I enjoy travelling to new places.
Work plans
She decided to apply for the position.
Formal writing
The team agreed to implement the changes.
Exam language
He admitted making a serious error.