Gerund or Infinitive — do / to do / doing
Quick map
- to-infinitive = purpose, plans/decisions, after many adjectives & some verbs. We went out to eat.
- -ing (gerund) = activities in general, after prepositions, as a subject/object. Swimming is relaxing.
- bare infinitive (no to) = after modals; after make/let; sometimes after help. You must call.
Negative forms: not to + verb / not + verb-ing → He promised not to be late. • I enjoy not cooking on Fridays.
Use the to-infinitive
- Purpose: I called to ask a question. (thing’s purpose: A fork is for eating.)
- After adjectives: It’s hard to understand. • Nice to meet you.
- too / enough: too young to drive • old enough to vote
- would like/love/hate/prefer: I’d like to go.
- Verb + object + to-inf: He told me to wait. • They want us to help.
- after wh-words (ask/know/decide etc.): I don’t know what to do.
- the first/next/only/last: the first person to arrive.
Common verbs + to-inf: agree, decide, hope, plan, want, need, promise, refuse, learn, offer, expect, seem, appear, manage, happen, fail, afford, choose, pretend.
Use the -ing form
- As subject/object: Reading helps me relax. • I enjoy cooking.
- After prepositions: I’m good at drawing. • Thanks for coming. • Before eating, wash your hands.
- After spend/waste time/money: We spent hours waiting.
- After like/love/hate/prefer/don’t mind (general preference): She loves cycling.
- Fixed expressions: be busy (doing), can’t stand (doing), look forward to (doing), there’s no point (in doing).
Common verbs + -ing: admit, avoid, consider, delay, deny, enjoy, finish, imagine, involve, keep, mind, miss, practise, recommend, regret, suggest, risk.
Use the bare infinitive (without to)
- After modals: can/could, will/would, shall/should, may/might, must → You must call.
- After make/let + object: They made me wait. • Let her go.
- help can be with or without to: She helped me (to) carry the bags.
Verbs of perception (see/hear/feel) + object + bare infinitive (complete action) or -ing (action in progress): I saw him cross / crossing the road.
Same verb, different meaning
| Pattern | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| forget + to do | fail to do a duty/plan | I forgot to lock the door. |
| forget + doing | a (usually unforgettable) memory | I’ll never forget visiting Kyoto. |
| remember + to do | not forget a duty | Remember to call me. |
| remember + doing | recall a past event | I remember meeting her. |
| try + to do | make an effort to achieve | I'll try to finish today. |
| try + doing | do as an experiment/solution | Try restarting the laptop. |
| stop + to do | stop one action in order to start another | We stopped to eat. |
| stop + doing | finish/quit an activity | He stopped smoking. |
Useful contrasts & tips
- like / love / hate + -ing (general) vs. would like / would love / would hate + to-inf (specific/now).
- begin/start/continue can take to-inf or -ing with little or no change: It started to rain / raining.
- After prepositions always use -ing, even when the word is to as a preposition (look forward to meeting).
- After make/let in the passive, use to-inf: I was made to wait.
Exercises:
Gerund or infinitive: Do, to do, doing
Choose the correct gerund or infinitive form to complete the sentences below.
1
Sometimes
nothing is more productive than acting fast.
2
He's the best at
puzzles.
3
He is too upset
it right now.
4
We used
by the fire on cold winter nights.
5
We are looking forward to
you soon.
6
They decided
to Los Angeles.
7
He refused
the fine.
8
We were very happy
her there.
9
We hope
before the end of the month.
10
She enjoys
time with her family.
Gerund or infinitive: Do, to do, doing
Choose the correct gerund or infinitive form for each gap below.
1
We agreed ____ the contract tomorrow.
A.
B.
C.
2
She enjoys ____ podcasts while jogging.
A.
B.
C.
3
I can’t afford ____ a new laptop right now.
A.
B.
C.
4
He suggested ____ earlier to avoid traffic.
A.
B.
C.
5
They decided ____ the meeting until next week.
A.
B.
C.
6
Thanks for ____ me with the boxes.
A.
B.
C.
7
She made me ____ my room before going out.
A.
B.
C.
8
We’re looking forward to ____ you soon.
A.
B.
C.
9
I stopped ____ a coffee on my way to work.
A.
B.
C.
10
He avoided ____ about the accident.
A.
B.
C.
Gerund or infinitive: Do, to do, doing
Fill in the gaps with the verbs in brackets in the correct gerund or infinitive form.
1
It’s worth (try) this new approach.
2
I promised (call) you after the meeting.
3
She admitted (take) the wrong train.
4
They decided (move) to Canada.
5
I can’t help (laugh) at that video.
6
He suggested (go) for a walk after lunch.
7
Let me (know) if you need help.
8
We’re looking forward to (work) with you.
9
I’d rather (stay) at home tonight.
10
The teacher made us (rewrite) the essay.