Introduction
There are some verbs that need to be followed by a gerund [1] or infinitive [2].
Form
Some verbs are used with gerunds and some with infinitive. There is no rule to distinguish them, therefore you need to learn them by heart.
The verbs followed by a gerund [1] (a verb acting as a noun) or infinitive [2] (the basic form of the verb preceded by to) have these structures:
- The most commonly used verbs + gerund [verb + -ing] are: admit, avoid, celebrate, dislike, give up, miss, suggest, tolerate…
- The most commonly used verbs + infinitive [to + verb] are: agree, care, decide, hope, manage, pretend, seem, wait…
Example
Verbs + gerund
- They admitted having separated.
- He avoided saying his nationality.
- She celebrated passing her driving test.
Verbs + infinitive
- We agreed to pay for the end of the year party.
- She just doesn’t care to be present at the birth.
- I decided to travel for a year.
Use
We use verb + gerund/infinitive if we want to follow a verb with another action.
NOTE: We can use a gerund or an infinitive after a verb, but not always the meaning would be the same.
Summary
Certain verbs need to be followed by a gerund [1] (verbs acting as nouns) or an infinitive [2] (to + verb). There is no rule regarding this topic, therefore you need to learn them off by heart.
- The most commonly used verbs followed by gerund are: admit, avoid, celebrate, dislike, give up, miss, suggest, tolerate…
- The most commonly used verbs followed by infinitive are: agree, care, decide, hope, manage, pretend, seem, wait…
For example:
— “I admit loving you.” = The verb admit is followed by a gerund.
— “I decided to marry him.” = The verb decide is followed by an infinitive.
NOTE: In some situations, the meaning is different.
Let’s revise this content within the {Form} section. Take a look at the {Example} section that shows its use within a context.