Question 1

Why do some verbs take gerunds and others take infinitives?

Accepted Answer

There is no single grammar rule that explains why certain verbs take gerunds and others take infinitives — this is one of the parts of English that learners must memorise. However, patterns exist that can help. Verbs expressing enjoyment, completion, or ongoing activity often take gerunds: "enjoy dancing," "finish eating," "keep trying." Verbs expressing future plans, desires, or decisions often take infinitives: "want to go," "hope to see," "decide to buy." The best approach is to learn verbs in phrases rather than alone. When you learn "enjoy," learn "enjoy doing" as a unit. This method helps the correct pattern feel natural over time.

Question 2

What happens if I use the wrong form after a verb?

Accepted Answer

Using the wrong form after a verb creates an error that native speakers will notice immediately. Saying "I enjoy to swim" instead of "I enjoy swimming" sounds unnatural and is marked wrong in exams. Similarly, "I want going home" instead of "I want to go home" is clearly incorrect. In everyday conversation, people will usually understand your meaning despite the error, but it marks your speech as non-native. In written English and formal exams like Cambridge B1 or B2, verb pattern errors cost marks. The good news is that once you learn the correct patterns, they become automatic with practice.

Question 3

How can I remember which verbs take gerunds?

Accepted Answer

Group gerund verbs into memory categories to make them easier to remember. First, the "stop/avoid" group: avoid, stop, quit, give up — all about ending actions. Second, the "enjoy" group: enjoy, love, like, don't mind — all about feelings towards activities. Third, the "admit/deny" group: admit, deny, mention, suggest — all about communication. Making personal sentences helps too: "I enjoy reading at night," "I avoid eating late," "I don't mind waiting." Connect each verb to your real life, and the gerund pattern will stick. Review these groups regularly until they feel automatic.

Gerunds and Infinitives: Common Verbs (Part 1)

Quick Rule

All 20 questions

Continue Practising

Gerunds and Infinitives Error Correction

Preposition + Gerund

Look Forward To

-ed vs -ing Adjectives

Conditionals

Present Perfect