Gerunds and Infinitives: When To Use “-ing” Form vs. “to” + verb

Grammar rules for using gerunds and infinitives with examples.

GERUNDS AND INFINITIVES – They are sometimes referred to as verb complements, and here’s how they are used in a sentence.

A gerund is a verb that ends in “-ing,” such as walking, eating, running, voting, playing, crying, and many others. An infinitive, on the other hand, is the base form of a verb preceded by the word “to,” such as to walk, to eat, to run, to vote, to play, to cry, and many others.

Here are some simple rules with examples:

• Rule 1: Gerunds can be used as a subject of a sentence

Examples:

1. Running is good for health.
2. Making friends has always been easy for her.
3. Crying is one way to make you feel better.

Running, Making, and Crying are gerunds that function as subjects in the sentences.

Read more sample sentences:

• “To be or not to be—that is the question.” – William Shakespeare
• “To mourn a mischief that is past and gone is the next way to draw new mischief on.” – William Shakespeare

To be and To mourn are the subjects of the two sentences. This means infinitives and gerunds can function as subjects depending on the tone and meaning of the sentences. It just shows that gerunds are used more commonly as sentence subjects.

• Rule 2: Both gerunds and infinitives can be used as objects of a sentence

1. “I enjoy drawing.” – “enjoy” + [gerund]
2. “Yesterday, I decided to draw.” – “decide” + [infinitive].

Pay attention to what comes before the objects. There are verbs that need to be followed by an infinitive, such as:

1. I deserve to know the truth.
2. She needs to learn how to cook.
3. They are planning to go on a vacation abroad.

And there are verbs that need to be followed by a gerund, just like the following:

1. They admitted cheating on the examination.
2. I can’t risk losing my job.
3. She suggested watching more movies to improve my English.

Rule 3: Infinitives should be used after many adjectives

Examples:

1. It is essential to create a schedule before heading on vacation.
2. Why is it necessary to speak English inside the classroom?
3. It is wonderful to meet new people.

Using gerunds when describing something with an adjective is incorrect. An infinitive should always be used; however, if you need to make an object turn into the subject of a sentence, use a gerund. (See Rule 1)

You may also determine if an adjective should be followed by an infinitive through “too + [adjective]” (Example: This dress is too big to wear), and “[adjective] + enough” (Example: The child is not yet tall enough to ride the roller coaster).

Rule 4: Only infinitives are used after certain verbs, followed by nouns or pronouns referring to a person

Examples:

1. I never expected you to follow me after I backed out.
2. She clearly told me to stay put while she was away for work.
3. I already told you to be careful when hiking.

In these sentences, certain verbs, followed by nouns or pronouns referring to people, use infinitives. Using a gerund would make the sentence incorrect.

Rule 5: Only gerunds are used after prepositions except for this.

Examples (underlined words are prepositions, bold words are gerunds):

1. I have high hopes of becoming a writer. (preposition that follows a noun)
2. I can’t forgive you for not telling the truth. (preposition that follows a pronoun)
3. I was thinking about confessing my real feelings. (preposition that follows a verb)
4. I am cared of going to high places. (preposition that follows an adjective)

The exception

“But” is a conjunction that connects two clauses. However, if “but” is used as a preposition, it means “except.” If “but” or “except” is used in this manner, it should be followed by an infinitive.

Examples:

• He had no choice but to leave early.
• I did everything I could, but to forget the memories was impossible.
• We had no option but to wait for further instructions.