Infinitives and gerunds: Verb patterns

Exercises: 1 2 3

Exercise 2

Choose the correct infinitives and gerunds to complete the following sentences.

Exercises: 1 2 3

Infinitives and gerunds: Verb patterns

Infinitive vs Gerund grammar chart for A2 pre-intermediate level, detailing verb patterns with examples for using -ING verbs and TO-infinitive forms.

Use gerund

➟ When the verb is the subject of a sentence.

Reading on tablets and phones isn’t very good for your eyes.

➟ After a preposition.

I’m tired of waiting. Let’s go home.

➟ After some verbs.

I don’t mind waiting.
She recommended visiting this museum.

Common verbs followed by a gerund

Some common verbs that are followed by a gerund are avoid, enjoy, finish, hate, keep, like, love, don’t mind, prefer, recommend, spend time, stop, suggest, etc.

Negative gerund

The negative form of the gerund is not + -ing.

He enjoys not having to wake up early at weekends.

Use infinitive without to

➟ After the auxiliary verb do, does, did in negative sentences and questions.

He didn’t say anything.
Does Tim work with you?
I don’t believe you.

➟ After modal verbs (will, can, must, should, might, may, etc.)

You should come with us.
I can’t play the guitar.

Use to + infinitive

➟ After adjectives.

It’s important to arrive early at the station.

➟ To express a reason or purpose (why).

I went to Madrid to visit some family.
I need time to study for the exam.

➟ After question words.

I don’t know what to eat.
I want to learn how to play the guitar.

➟ After some verbs.

Don’t forget to call me.
She seems to be distracted.

Common verbs followed by a to -infinitive

Some common verbs that are followed by a to–infinitive are ask (someone), decide, forget, help, hope, learn, need, offer, plan, promise, remember, seem, try, want, would like, would love, would hate, would prefer, etc.