When to Use Gerunds and Infinitives: A Complete Guide with 100 Examples

Introduction to When to Use Gerunds and Infinitives

Understanding when to use gerunds and infinitives is a key part of mastering English grammar. Both gerunds (verb + ing) and infinitives (to + verb) act like nouns, but their usage depends on the verb, expression, or sentence context. Students, professionals, and candidates preparing for competitive exams often get confused between the two. This article explains the rules, provides 100 clear examples with meanings, and offers practical tips to help you excel.

Important Tips on When to Use Gerunds and Infinitives

1. Gerunds (verb + ing) are often used:
   • As the subject of a sentence (e.g., Swimming is fun).
   • After certain verbs (e.g., enjoy, avoid, admit, suggest).
   • After prepositions (e.g., interested in learning).
2. Infinitives (to + verb) are often used:
   • After certain verbs (e.g., want, decide, promise).
   • To express purpose (e.g., She studies hard to pass exams).
   • After adjectives (e.g., easy to learn).
3. Some verbs can take both with a difference in meaning:
   • Stop smoking (quit the habit) vs. Stop to smoke (pause another activity to smoke).
4. Competitive exam tip: Questions usually test confusing verbs like remember, forget, stop, try, like, hate, prefer. Practice these well.

100 Examples of When to Use Gerunds and Infinitives (with Meanings)

Part A – 50 Examples of Gerunds (verb + ing)

1. I enjoy reading. (Reading gives me pleasure)
2. She suggested going out. (She gave the idea to go)
3. He admitted cheating. (He confessed to cheating)
4. They avoid eating junk food. (They stay away from it)
5. We finished writing the report. (Completed the task)
6. She dislikes waiting. (She doesn’t like waiting)
7. I can’t imagine living abroad. (It’s hard to think of it)
8. He denied stealing money. (Said he didn’t steal)
9. They practice speaking English daily. (Do it regularly)
10. She considered changing jobs. (Thought about it)
11. He postponed meeting his friends. (Delayed the plan)
12. They discussed moving to another city. (Talked about it)
13. She keeps asking questions. (Repeats the action)
14. I miss playing cricket. (Feel sad not doing it)
15. He admitted breaking the glass. (Confessed the mistake)
16. She suggested taking a taxi. (Gave an idea)
17. I don’t mind helping you. (I’m okay with it)
18. He avoided answering the question. (Didn’t respond)
19. They recommend visiting that museum. (Advise to go)
20. She risked losing her money. (Took the risk)
21. I enjoy listening to music. (Gives pleasure)
22. He stopped smoking last year. (Quit the habit)
23. They enjoy dancing together. (They like it)
24. She denied being late. (Said it wasn’t true)
25. We practiced writing essays. (Did for improvement)
26. I suggested calling her now. (Proposed idea)
27. He finished painting the house. (Completed work)
28. She admitted lying about the marks. (Confessed)
29. They avoid talking about politics. (Stay away from topic)
30. I can’t stand waiting in queues. (Dislike strongly)
31. He keeps complaining about food. (Repeats complaint)
32. She recommended watching that film. (Advised)
33. I enjoy swimming in the mornings. (It’s fun)
34. They admitted cheating in the exam. (Confessed)
35. She considered buying a new phone. (Thought about it)
36. He denied knowing her. (Refused truth)
37. We enjoyed visiting the zoo. (Had fun)
38. She stopped talking when I entered. (Ceased action)
39. They risked losing everything. (Took chance)
40. He suggested meeting later. (Proposed idea)
41. I can’t help laughing. (Uncontrollable)
42. She admitted forgetting the password. (Confessed)
43. He enjoyed teaching children. (Found pleasure)
44. They avoid driving at night. (Stay away from it)
45. I don’t mind sharing my notes. (Willing)
46. She considered leaving early. (Thought about it)
47. He denied hurting her. (Refused claim)
48. We discussed changing the plan. (Talked over)
49. She enjoys reading novels. (Finds pleasure)
50. He stopped working late hours. (Quit habit)

Part B – 50 Examples of Infinitives (to + verb)

51. I want to learn English. (Have desire)
52. She decided to travel abroad. (Made a decision)
53. They promised to help me. (Gave their word)
54. He refused to answer. (Said no)
55. We plan to start early. (Made a plan)
56. I need to finish my homework. (Requirement)
57. She hopes to win the prize. (Wishes to win)
58. He agreed to join us. (Accepted)
59. They forgot to lock the door. (Missed doing)
60. She offered to cook dinner. (Volunteered)
61. He wants to buy a car. (Desire)
62. We tried to solve the problem. (Made attempt)
63. I expect to meet him soon. (Anticipation)
64. She learned to drive last year. (Acquired skill)
65. He asked me to wait outside. (Requested)
66. They managed to escape the fire. (Succeeded)
67. I wish to speak fluently. (Strong desire)
68. She agreed to share notes. (Accepted)
69. He promised to return soon. (Assured)
70. We decided to go shopping. (Final choice)
71. She attempted to climb the hill. (Tried)
72. He wanted to help his friend. (Desire)
73. They need to understand the rules. (Requirement)
74. She hopes to get a promotion. (Wish)
75. I forgot to call my mother. (Missed doing)
76. He offered to drive us home. (Volunteered)
77. We plan to visit Delhi. (Made a plan)
78. She asked me to explain again. (Requested)
79. He managed to win the game. (Succeeded)
80. They want to see the Taj Mahal. (Desire)
81. I decided to stop working late. (Made choice)
82. She refused to answer the question. (Denied)
83. He promised to keep the secret. (Assured)
84. We expect to finish by evening. (Anticipation)
85. She learned to swim quickly. (Skill)
86. He tried to call but failed. (Made attempt)
87. They agreed to stay longer. (Accepted)
88. I need to talk to the teacher. (Requirement)
89. She decided to take the exam. (Choice)
90. He asked me to lend some money. (Requested)
91. We planned to celebrate together. (Future intention)
92. She managed to finish on time. (Succeeded)
93. They wanted to join the club. (Desire)
94. He refused to sign the paper. (Denied)
95. I hope to see you soon. (Wish)
96. She promised to call tomorrow. (Assured)
97. We decided to buy a gift. (Choice)
98. He offered to carry the bag. (Volunteered)
99. They forgot to bring the tickets. (Missed doing)
100. I need to prepare for the exam. (Requirement)

FAQs on When to Use Gerunds and Infinitives

Q1. What is the difference between gerunds and infinitives?
Gerunds end in -ing and act like nouns, while infinitives use to + verb and can act as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.

Q2. Which verbs are followed by gerunds and not infinitives?
Verbs like enjoy, avoid, admit, suggest, mind, deny are always followed by gerunds.

Q3. Can the same verb be followed by both gerunds and infinitives?
Yes. Example: I stopped smoking (quit the habit) vs. I stopped to smoke (paused to smoke).

Conclusion on When to Use Gerunds and Infinitives

Knowing when to use gerunds and infinitives is essential for fluency and exam success. Gerunds often follow certain verbs and prepositions, while infinitives usually follow verbs of intention or adjectives. By practicing these 100 examples and applying the tips, learners can avoid common mistakes and gain confidence in English grammar.

Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes. Grammar rules may have exceptions based on usage, dialects, and contexts. Students should always cross-check with trusted grammar references when preparing for competitive exams.

Also Read: Use of Modal Verbs in English Grammar: A Complete Guide with 100 Examples

English Conditional Sentences Type 1 2 3 – Rules, 100 Examples with Meanings

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