Gerunds & Infinitives (verb + verb)
When a verb is followed by another verb, do you use -ing or to? Learn the patterns behind "enjoy doing" vs. "want to do".
- 1.A gerund is the -ing form used as a noun: "Swimming is fun." Use it after prepositions: "good at cooking".
- 2.Some verbs take a gerund: enjoy, avoid, finish, suggest, consider, mind, practise.
- 3.Some verbs take an infinitive: want, need, decide, hope, plan, promise, agree, would like.
- 4.After a preposition, ALWAYS use the -ing form: "interested in learning", never "interested in to learn".
Two ways to follow a verb with a verb
- Gerund (-ing): "I enjoy reading."
- Infinitive (to + base): "I want to read."
Which one you use depends on the first verb. There is logic, but much of it is learned by exposure.
Common gerund verbs
enjoy, avoid, finish, suggest, consider, mind, practise, keep, miss, recommend.
"She suggested taking a break." "I avoid driving at night."
Common infinitive verbs
want, need, decide, hope, plan, promise, agree, offer, would like, expect, learn.
"They decided to move." "I would like to apply."
After a preposition → always -ing
This rule is reliable: any verb directly after a preposition takes the -ing form.
✓ "I am interested in learning French." ✗ "I am interested in to learn French." ✓ "Thank you for helping." "She is good at painting."
CELPIP application
These patterns appear constantly in natural speech and writing. Getting "I look forward to hearing from you" right (note: to here is a preposition, so -ing) signals fluency in a closing line of a Writing Task 1 email.
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