Gerund or Infinitive
Grammar 1: Gerund or Infinitive
Are you preparing for your English exam? One of the most common grammar challenges is knowing when to use a gerund (verb + -ing) or an infinitive (to + verb). Don’t worry—this clear, concise guide will help you understand the rules with simple examples and useful tips!
What’s the Difference?
- Gerund: Verb + -ing used as a noun
Example: Swimming is fun. - Infinitive: to + base verb
Example: I want to swim.
1. Verbs Followed by Gerund (-ing)
Use the gerund after these common verbs:
- Enjoy → I enjoy reading novels.
- Avoid → She avoids eating junk food.
- Finish → They finished writing the essay.
- Consider → We’re considering changing schools.
- Mind → Do you mind opening the window?
💡 Tip: Think of the gerund as an activity or habit.
2. Verbs Followed by Infinitive (to + verb)
Use the infinitive after these verbs:
- Want → He wants to study medicine.
- Decide → We decided to travel to Marrakech.
- Hope → I hope to pass my Bac exam!
- Plan → They plan to revise every day.
- Need → You need to practice grammar.
💡 Tip: Infinitives often express future intentions or goals.
3. Verbs That Take Both (But Meaning Changes!)
Some verbs accept gerund or infinitive, but the meaning shifts slightly:
| Verb | Gerund | Infinitive |
|---|---|---|
| Remember | I remember locking the door. (I did it) | Remember to lock the door! (Don’t forget!) |
| Stop | He stopped smoking. (Quit the habit) | He stopped to smoke. (Paused in order to smoke) |
| Try | Try calling him again. (Experiment with this method) | Try to call him. (Make an effort) |
Quick Practice (Bac Exam Style)
Choose the correct form:
- She enjoys ______ (to read / reading) English stories.
- They decided ______ (to go / going) to the library.
- Don’t forget ______ (to bring / bringing) your ID card.
✅ Answers: 1. reading 2. to go 3. to bring
Final Tips for 2ème Bac Students
- Memorize common verb patterns (use flashcards!).
- Read English texts to see gerunds/infinitives in context.
- Practice with past Bac exam questions—they often test this rule!
Mastering gerund vs. infinitive will boost your grammar score and make your writing clearer. Keep practicing, and you’ll ace it on exam day!