Lesson

Verb + -ing forms infinitives

Complex verb patterns

≈ 20 min 8 block(s)

Text

Verb + -ing forms and infinitives

Some English verbs are followed by a gerund (verb + -ing), some by a to-infinitive (to + base verb), and some accept both with a change in meaning. Knowing which pattern to use is essential for clear, correct sentences.

Gerunds (verb + -ing) often act like nouns and follow prepositions or certain verbs (e.g., enjoy, avoid, suggest).
To-infinitives (to + verb) often express purpose or follow verbs like decide, hope, want, plan.
Some verbs can take either form with a change in meaning (e.g., remember, stop, try).

Table

Common verbs: -ing vs to-infinitive

Verb	Followed by	Example
enjoy	-ing	I enjoy reading industry reports.
decide	to + infinitive	We decided to accept the proposal.
suggest	-ing	She suggested postponing the meeting.
try	both (different meaning)	I tried restarting the computer. / I tried to restart the computer.
remember	both (different meaning)	He remembered locking the door. / He remembered to lock the door.
avoid	-ing	Please avoid making last-minute changes.

Tip

Key rule: How to choose

Decide between -ing and to-infinitive by looking at the verb and the function:

Use -ing after prepositions and after verbs like enjoy, avoid, suggest, consider, and finish.
Use to + infinitive after verbs that express decisions, intentions, wishes, or expectations (decide, hope, want, plan).
When a verb accepts both forms, check the meaning: one form often describes an action already completed or general experience, the other describes intention or purpose.

If unsure, learn common verb lists (verbs + -ing / verbs + to-infinitive) and practise context clues.

Example

Examples in context

I enjoy reading the quarterly reports during my commute.

We decided to expand the team next quarter.

The manager suggested postponing the client presentation.

He remembered to send the invoice before leaving the office.

Tip

Common mistakes to avoid

Watch for these universal errors when choosing between -ing and to-infinitive:

Using -ing after 'to' as in 'to going' — 'to' for infinitives must be followed by the base verb (to go), not -ing.
Using the base verb after a preposition (e.g., incorrect: 'before submit' — correct: 'before submitting').
Assuming both forms are interchangeable — some verbs change meaning depending on the form.
Forgetting that gerunds can act as nouns (so they can be subjects or objects) while infinitives often express purpose.

When unsure, check the verb pattern or rephrase the sentence to test meaning.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Think about verbs that require -ing after them.

Quiz

Complete: They decided _____ the project next month.

Hint: Which form expresses a planned action or intention?

Quiz

Which sentence means he ended the habit of smoking?

Hint: Focus on whether the action was ended (habit) or whether an action was interrupted to do something else.

Key Points

GrammarPoint

gerund

noun CEFR B1 //ˈdʒɛrənd//

A verb form ending in -ing that functions as a noun.

Reading is part of my daily routine.

GrammarPoint

to-infinitive

grammar_point CEFR B1 //tuː ɪnˈfɪn.ɪ.tɪv//

The base form of a verb preceded by 'to', often expressing purpose or intent.

We plan to hire two new analysts.

Vocabulary

avoid

verb CEFR B1 //əˈvɔɪd//

To keep away from or prevent; followed by a gerund.

Please avoid making last-minute changes to the schedule.

Vocabulary

decide

verb CEFR B1 //dɪˈsaɪd//

To make a choice or determination; commonly followed by to + infinitive.

The board decided to approve the budget.

Vocabulary

remember

verb CEFR B2 //rɪˈmɛmbər//

To recall; when followed by -ing it refers to a past action recalled, when followed by to-infinitive it refers to remembering to do something in time.

She remembered locking the office door. / She remembered to lock the office door.

Vocabulary

suggest

verb CEFR B1 //səˈdʒɛst//

To propose an idea or plan; typically followed by a gerund.

I suggest reviewing the proposal before the meeting.