Gerund or Infinitive: Do, to do, doing
Master when to use verbs with -ing and when to use to + verb, especially those that change meaning.
- check_circleI can choose between gerunds and infinitives after common verbs.
- check_circleI can correctly use verbs that change meaning with a gerund or infinitive (stop, remember, try).
Discover
Meet today's English in a real situation — no rules yet. Read it once and try to guess the pattern in the words in bold. Underlined words open a short definition.
Sarah: Hi, Mark! Have you finished working on the report yet?
Mark: Not yet. I tried to finish it last night, but it was too difficult. I stopped typing around midnight because I was exhausted.
Sarah: You should try taking short breaks every hour. It really helps you focus.
Mark: That’s a good idea. Oh, by the way, did you remember to call the client?
Sarah: Yes, I did! I distinctly remember talking to him yesterday afternoon. He suggested delaying the meeting until next week.
Mark: That’s a relief! I was worried we wouldn’t have time to prepare.
Sarah: Don’t worry. Just keep working on the report and avoid stressing too much about it!
Learn
Now the rules behind what you just saw — explained simply, with examples. Underlined words open a short definition — hover on desktop, tap on a phone.
When you have two verbs together in a sentence, the second verb usually takes either the gerund form (verb + -ing) or the infinitive form (to + verb).
Verbs followed by a Gerund (-ing)
Some verbs are always followed by the gerund form. Common examples include: enjoy, avoid, mind, suggest, finish, keep.
- I enjoy reading before bed.
- She avoids driving in heavy traffic.
Avoid is followed by a gerund, never an infinitive.
Verbs followed by an Infinitive (to do)
Other verbs are followed by an infinitive. Common examples include: want, need, decide, hope, plan, promise, offer.
- We decided to leave early.
- He promised to help me with my homework.
Verbs that change meaning
The most important part of this lesson is verbs that change their meaning completely depending on whether they are followed by a gerund or an infinitive.
1. Stop
- Stop + gerund: To quit an action.
I stopped smoking two years ago. (I don’t smoke anymore)
- Stop + infinitive: To pause an action in order to do something else.
I stopped to buy coffee on my way to work. (I paused my journey to buy coffee)
2. Remember
- Remember + gerund: To have a memory of a past event.
I remember locking the door. (I have a memory of doing it)
- Remember + infinitive: To not forget to do a necessary action.
Please remember to lock the door when you leave. (Don’t forget to do it)
3. Try
- Try + gerund: To do something as an experiment to see if it works or solves a problem.
Have you tried drinking ginger tea for your stomach ache? (Experiment)
- Try + infinitive: To make an effort to do something difficult.
I tried to lift the heavy box, but I couldn’t. (Make an effort)
Common mistakes Don’t use an infinitive after prepositions (in, on, at, about, for, etc.). Always use a gerund.
I am interested in to learn French.- I am interested in learning French.
Effort is often used when explaining the verb try.
If you are not sure whether a verb takes a gerund or an infinitive, check a good English dictionary! Many verbs have specific patterns you just need to memorize over time.
- Gerund (-ing): After enjoy, avoid, mind, suggest, finish, and prepositions.
- Infinitive (to do): After want, need, decide, hope, promise.
- Stop doing: Quit an action. Stop to do: Pause to do something else.
- Remember doing: Memory of the past. Remember to do: Don’t forget a task.
- Try doing: Experiment. Try to do: Make a difficult effort.
Practice
Try it yourself. You'll see right away whether you got it right, plus a short explanation of why.
Use It
Now make the language yours in a real task. Use the prompt below — the editor keeps a simple word count, and nothing is saved or graded.
Before you finish — be honest. Can you do these now?