Gerund & Infinitive

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 5

Gerund & To + infinitive

What is "to + infinitive"?

to + infinitive

to speak / to see/ to go 

When do we use to + infinitive?

After certain forms and verbs 
Especially verbs that have to do with feeling, thinking, saying.

After "I would like"

What is a gerund?

Verb+ing, without a form of to be

When do you use a gerund?

After prepositions like: about, without, to, from, for, on, of

• My parents are talking about moving to another town
• I look forward to meeting you

When do you use a gerund?

After certain verbs like: hate, like, stop, start, prefer, enjoy, avoid, remember, refuse, mind, keep, spend, miss

• So you have stopped biting your nails!
• Why do you always try to avoid meeting him?
  

When do you use a gerund?

As subject of a sentence

• Following his advice could get you into trouble
• Criticising others is so easy
  

When do you use a gerund?

After certain words and expressions like: feel like, it's no use, it's worth, there's no, to be busy, can't help, can't stand

• Do you feel like going out on Friday?
• There's no denying he sings well
  

Watch out!

After the verbs "to stop", "to remember" and "to forget" you can use both a gerund or an infinitive, BUT the choice changes the meaning:

I stopped smoking / I stopped to smoke.

I remember buying my first bike / remember to buy a bike.

ask

expect

recommend

suggest

consider

require

remind

tell

decide

promise

offer

admit

order

to + infinitive

gerund

Let's practice

For the next few sentences, write down the correct form of the verb given in brackets

She hates (get) out of bed

He demanded (speak) to the manager

I miss (go) to the beach

I love (arrive) on time

I couldn't help (laugh)

Don't forget (buy) some milk

I really can't stand (wait) for the bus

I don't mind (stay) up late