Gerunds &

Infinitives
By: Luisa, Luciana & Nicole
Verbs
Gerund Infinitive
Ends with -ing Any unconjugated verb
playing (usually starts with to)
dancing to play
to dance
When a verb follows
another...
Examples
The first verb determines the
I enjoy talking to you.
form of the second one. This
can be the gerund (verb +ing) It started to rain a few
minutes ago.
or infinitive
I want to listen to music
right now.

Rule number one…

Use the gerund after
Examples
certain verbs and
I enjoy talking to you.
expression like:
She can't help buying
the phone.
Enjoy
Can't help
I feel like playing the
guitar. Feel like

Rule number two…

Use a gerund after any Examples
phrasal verb like: I am really looking
forward to meeting you.
Look forward
Give up When will you give up
smoking?
Keep on
He kept on asking!

Rule number three…

Examples Use the infinitive (with to)
I really want to go to the after certain verbs.
cinema.
Want
He needs to have her Need
phone all the time.
Seem
She seems to love ballet.

Rule number four…

Use infinitive (without to) Examples
after modal verbs and some
She can play with my
expressions like: phone if she wants.
Can
I may leave at the
May middle of the movie.
Will
He will come early.

Rule number five…

Examples Some verbs can be followed
by a gerund or infinitive
She started playing.
She started to play. (with to) with no difference
in meaning like:
He began dancing.
He began to dance. Start
Begin
I continue swimming.
I continue to swim. Continue