An infinitive is the base form of a verb with to, such as to study or to travel. A gerund is a verb ending in -ing that functions as a noun, such as studying or travelling. Some verbs are always followed by an infinitive, some are always followed by a gerund, and a few can be followed by either one. Learning these verb patterns will help you speak and write more naturally.

Maria decided to apply for a new job because she wanted to improve her career. She also enjoys meeting new people and practises speaking English every day to become more confident.

Many English verbs are followed by an infinitive (to + base verb). After these verbs, do not use a gerund. Learning these common patterns will make your speaking and writing much more natural.

• I agreed to help my neighbour.
• She decided to study nursing.
• We hope to visit Vancouver next year.
• He offered to drive us home.
• They planned to buy a new house.
• I forgot to lock the door.
• She promised to call tomorrow.
• We refused to accept the offer.
• The child learned to ride a bicycle.
• They managed to finish the project on time.

Many English verbs are followed by a gerund (verb + -ing). After these verbs, do not use an infinitive. Learning these common verb patterns will help you avoid one of the most common grammar mistakes made by English learners.

• I enjoy reading before going to bed.
• She finished writing her report early.
• We avoided driving during the snowstorm.
• They recommended visiting Banff in the summer.
• He practises speaking English every day.
• The manager suggested changing the schedule.
• I don't mind waiting a few more minutes.
• She admitted making a mistake.
• They postponed moving to a new house.
• We appreciate helping our neighbours whenever possible.

Some English verbs can be followed by either an infinitive (to + verb) or a gerund (verb + -ing). For many of these verbs, the meaning stays the same. However, with a few common verbs, the meaning changes depending on which form you use. Learning these differences will help you understand native speakers and avoid common grammar mistakes.

• She began studying at eight o'clock.
• She began to study at eight o'clock.
• I like reading before bed.
• I like to read before bed.
• He stopped smoking. (He quit smoking.)
• He stopped to smoke. (He stopped another activity so he could smoke.)
• Please remember to lock the door. (Don't forget to do it.)
• I remember locking the door. (I have a memory of doing it.)
• She tried calling him. (She tested one possible solution.)
• She tried to call him. (She attempted to call him.)

Some English verbs are followed by an object before another verb. These verbs often use either an infinitive (to + verb) or a gerund (verb + -ing). Learning these patterns will help you give instructions, make requests, and describe actions more naturally.

• The teacher encouraged the students to practise every day.
• My friend reminded me to bring my passport.
• The manager asked us to arrive early.
• Our parents taught us to be responsible.
• The doctor advised him to exercise regularly.
• Heavy rain prevented the workers from finishing the project.
• The police stopped the driver from speeding.
• Good planning protected the company from losing money.
• His parents discouraged him from quitting school.
• The coach persuaded the team to keep trying.

Some English verbs are followed directly by the base form of another verb without to. These include modal verbs, some causative verbs, and certain verbs of perception. Learning these patterns will help you avoid one of the most common grammar mistakes made by English learners.

• You must wear a seatbelt.
• We can finish the project today.
• My parents let me stay up late on weekends.
• The teacher made the students rewrite the assignment.
• My friend helped me carry the heavy boxes.
• My friend helped me to carry the heavy boxes.
• I saw the children play in the park.
• We heard someone knock on the door.
• She watched the birds fly across the lake.
• They would accept the offer if the conditions improved.

Infinitives and gerunds are common in everyday English. Some verbs are followed by to + base verb, others are followed by verb + -ing, and a few can use both forms. Learning these patterns will help you communicate more accurately and confidently in speaking and writing.

• Many verbs are always followed by to + base verb.
• Many other verbs are always followed by verb + -ing.
• Some verbs, such as begin, continue, like, and start, can use either form.
• Some verbs, including stop, remember, forget, and try, change meaning depending on whether they are followed by an infinitive or a gerund.
• Many verbs followed by an object use to + base verb, such as tell, ask, advise, and encourage.
• After prevent, stop, discourage, and protect, use from + verb-ing.
• After modal verbs, let, and make, use the base form without to.

• She decided to apply for the position.
• We enjoy travelling together.
• They started working early.
• He remembered to lock the door.
• I remember locking the door.
• The teacher asked us to finish the assignment.
• The heavy rain prevented us from leaving.
• You must wear your seatbelt.