Infinitives and gerunds: Verb patterns

Infinitives and gerunds: Verb patterns

Use gerund

➟ When the verb is the subject of a sentence.

• Reading on tablets and phones isn’t very good for your eyes.

➟ After a preposition.

• I’m tired of waiting. Let’s go home.

➟ After some verbs.

• I don’t mind waiting.
• She recommended visiting this museum.

Common verbs followed by a gerund

Some common verbs that are followed by a gerund are avoid, enjoy, finish, hate, keep, like, love, don’t mind, prefer, recommend, spend time, stop, suggest, etc.

Negative gerund

The negative form of the gerund is not + -ing.

• He enjoys not having to wake up early at weekends. 

Use infinitive without to

➟ After the auxiliary verb do, does, did in negative sentences and questions.

• He didn’t say anything. 
• Does Tim work with you?
• I don’t believe you. 

➟ After modal verbs (will, can, must, should, might, may, etc.)

• You should come with us.
• I can’t play the guitar.

Use to + infinitive

➟ After adjectives.

• It’s important to arrive early at the station.

➟ To express a reason or purpose (why).

• I went to Madrid to visit some family.
• I need time to study for the exam.

➟ After question words.

• I don’t know what to eat.
• I want to learn how to play the guitar.

➟ After some verbs.

• Don’t forget to call me.
• She seems to be distracted.

Common verbs followed by a to -infinitive

Some common verbs that are followed by a to–infinitive are ask (someone), decide, forget, help, hope, learn, need, offer, plan, promise, remember, seem, try, want, would like, would love, would hate, would prefer, etc.

The negative form of to-infinitive

The negative form of to + infinitive is not to + infinitive.

• She decided not to enter the competition.