Gerunds and Prepositions
A gerund is a noun formed by adding “ing” to a verb.
Use the gerund
- After prepositions (before, after, for, in at, of, etc).
!Verbs followed by the preposition TO:
Example: I’m looking forward to visiting you in July.
- After certain verbs (enjoy, admit, avoid, finish, etc.).
Example: I avoided looking into his eyes.
- As the subject of a sentence.
Example: Swimming is very good for you.
Use the infinitive
- After some verbs (agree, attempt, refuse, promise, etc.).
Example: I hope to see you soon.
- After some verbs + object (remind, allow, invite, order, etc.).
I persuaded him to go.
- After some adjectives (easy, difficult, happy, etc.).
It is too difficult to explain.
- To express purpose.
Example: I came here to study English.
Use either[1]
After some verbs
- Continue, Start, Begin
The infinitive is more commonly used after these words, but either the gerund or the infinitive can be used without a change in meaning.
Examples: I started to talk.
I started talking.
- Love, Like, Prefer, Hate
If followed by a gerund the sentence is general. Using an infinitive creates a more specific sentence.
Examples: I like reading.
I like to read romance novels.
- Remember, Forget
The infinitive suggests the actions must still be done while the gerund refers to things that happened in the past.
Examples: I must remember to wash my shoes.
She won’t forget meeting her favorite actor.
- Try
The infinitive expresses what you want to do versus the gerund, which expresses how you want to do it.
Examples: I am trying to see the text on the page.
I tried stealing the money so I could be rich.
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