Master the Verbs Followed by Gerund or Infinitive List: A Complete Guide

Verbs Followed by Gerund or Infinitive List

One of the most challenging parts of learning English grammar is knowing whether to use an “-ing” word or a “to” word after a verb. Having a reliable verbs followed by gerund or infinitive list is essential for anyone looking to improve their writing and speaking fluency.

Understanding these patterns helps you avoid common mistakes and ensures your sentences sound natural to native speakers. This guide breaks down the rules and provides clear categories to help you master these combinations.

What are Gerunds and Infinitives?

Before diving into the verbs followed by gerund or infinitive list, let’s define the terms:

• Gerund: A verb ending in -ing that acts as a noun (e.g., running, eating).
• Infinitive: The base form of a verb preceded by to (e.g., to run, to eat).

Some English verbs can only be followed by one or the other, while some can take both with or without a change in meaning.

Verbs Followed Only by Gerunds

Certain verbs almost always require a gerund. If you use an infinitive after these, the sentence will sound grammatically incorrect.

Common verbs in this category include:

• Enjoy: I enjoy reading.
• Avoid: She avoids driving at night.
• Finish: Have you finished writing?
• Suggest: He suggested going to the park.
• Quit: I quit smoking years ago.

Verbs Followed Only by Infinitives

On the other hand, many verbs require the “to + verb” format. These often relate to plans, desires, or intentions.

Key verbs in this verbs followed by gerund or infinitive list category include:

• Want: I want to go home.
• Decide: We decided to buy a car.
• Hope: They hope to visit soon.
• Learn: He is learning to play guitar.
• Promise: I promise to help you.

Verbs Followed by Both (No Change in Meaning)

Some verbs are flexible. You can use either a gerund or an infinitive, and the meaning of the sentence remains exactly the same.

• Start: It started raining / It started to rain.
• Begin: She began singing / She began to sing.
• Continue: We continued walking / We continued to walk.
• Like: I like cooking / I like to cook.

Verbs Followed by Both (With a Change in Meaning)

This is where the verbs followed by gerund or infinitive list gets tricky. For these verbs, the choice significantly changes what you are saying.

1. Stop

• Gerund: I stopped eating (I am no longer eating).
• Infinitive: I stopped to eat (I paused what I was doing so that I could eat).

2. Remember

• Gerund: I remember locking the door (I have a memory of doing it).
• Infinitive: I remembered to lock the door (I didn’t forget to perform the task).

3. Forget

• Gerund: I’ll never forget meeting her (A memory that stays with me).
• Infinitive: Don’t forget to meet her (A reminder for a future task).

100 Example Sentences

To help you practice, here are 100 examples based on the verbs followed by gerund or infinitive list.

Verbs + Gerund (-ing)

1. I enjoy swimming in the ocean.
2. She finished cleaning the kitchen.
3. We considered moving to Spain.
4. He quit playing professional football.
5. They suggested eating Italian food.
6. Please avoid making loud noises.
7. I miss living by the beach.
8. He denied stealing the money.
9. Imagine winning the lottery.
10. She keeps calling me.
11. We practiced speaking English.
12. I don’t mind waiting for you.
13. He admitted breaking the vase.
14. They postponed having the meeting.
15. I risk losing my job.
16. She resisted buying the dress.
17. We discussed opening a business.
18. I can’t help laughing at that.
19. He mentioned seeing you today.
20. She finished doing her homework.
21. I appreciate you helping me.
22. They delayed leaving for the airport.
23. He escaped being injured.
24. I dislike washing the dishes.
25. She enjoys listening to music.

Verbs + Infinitive (to + verb)

26. I want to travel the world.
27. She decided to go back to school.
28. He hopes to find a new job.
29. We agreed to meet at noon.
30. They offered to help us move.
31. I promise to be on time.
32. She learned to play the piano.
33. He refused to answer the phone.
34. We plan to stay for a week.
35. I forgot to bring my keys.
36. She seems to be tired.
37. He managed to finish the race.
38. They expect to arrive soon.
39. I need to buy some milk.
40. She chose to wear the red dress.
41. We volunteered to clean the park.
42. He deserves to win the award.
43. I’m waiting to hear from you.
44. She pretended to be asleep.
45. He threatened to call the police.
46. We prepared to leave the house.
47. I hope to see you again.
48. She arranged to meet the client.
49. He failed to complete the task.
50. They decided to stay home.

Verbs + Both (Same Meaning)

51. It started raining at noon.
52. It started to rain at noon.
53. I like eating spicy food.
54. I like to eat spicy food.
55. She began crying softly.
56. She began to cry softly.
57. We continued driving all night.
58. We continued to drive all night.
59. I hate waking up early.
60. I hate to wake up early.
61. They love playing tennis.
62. They love to play tennis.
63. He can’t stand waiting in line.
64. He can’t stand to wait in line.
65. It preferred staying indoors.
66. It preferred to stay indoors.
67. I started learning French.
68. I started to learn French.
69. She likes reading novels.
70. She likes to read novels.
71. We began working at 9 AM.
72. We began to work at 9 AM.
73. I love traveling to new places.
74. I love to travel to new places.
75. He continued talking for an hour.

Verbs + Both (Different Meaning)

76. I stopped drinking coffee. (I quit)
77. I stopped to drink coffee. (I paused for a break)
78. I remember visiting Paris. (Memory of the past)
79. Remember to visit Paris. (Don’t forget to go)
80. He forgot meeting her. (He doesn’t remember the event)
81. He forgot to meet her. (He missed the appointment)
82. I tried opening the window. (I experimented to see if it helped)
83. I tried to open the window. (It was heavy or stuck)
84. Go on talking. (Continue your speech)
85. He went on to talk about history. (He changed the subject)
86. I regret telling him. (I am sorry I said it)
87. I regret to tell you the news. (I am sorry I have to say this now)
88. She stopped smoking last year.
89. She stopped to smoke a cigarette.
90. I remember turning off the stove.
91. Please remember to turn off the stove.
92. He tried exercising more.
93. He tried to exercise but he was too tired.
94. They stopped playing music.
95. They stopped to play a song.
96. I forgot buying the milk.
97. I forgot to buy the milk.
98. He regrets quitting his job.
99. We regret to inform you of the delay.
100. I tried using a different key.

Conclusion on Verbs Followed by Gerund or Infinitive List

Mastering the verbs followed by gerund or infinitive list takes practice, but it is one of the best ways to sound more like a native speaker. Start by memorizing the most common verbs like “want,” “enjoy,” and “start,” then move on to the trickier ones that change meaning. Keep this list handy as a reference for your next writing project.

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DISCLAIMER on Verbs Followed by Gerund or Infinitive List

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, English grammar rules can vary by dialect and context. Always consult a formal style guide for academic or professional writing.

Also READ: Mastering Grammar: When to Use Gerund After a Preposition

Master the Contrast: How to Use Although and Even Though in English

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