Français sans Fautes Logo
BlogBusinessesSchoolsDownload the App

Resources

Blog

Follow us:

Services

TeachersSchoolsBusinesses

Contact & Legal

Contact UsFeedback & IdeasPrivacy PolicyTerms of Use

© 2025 Shaky English. All rights reserved.

  1. Accueil
  2. Blog
  3. Parts of Speech & Usage
  4. Gerund vs. Infinitive (e.g. enjoy doing vs. want to do)
Parts of Speech & Usage

Gerund vs. Infinitive (e.g. enjoy doing vs. want to do)

2 min de lecture
Partager :

In English, some verbs are followed by the gerund (verb + -ing), and others by the infinitive (to + base verb). The choice depends on the main verb and how the sentence is structured. It’s not always logical — so you have to learn the patterns.

1. Verbs followed by a gerund (verb + -ing)

Use the gerund after verbs that describe likes, dislikes, and general activities.

  • She enjoys reading historical novels.
  • They avoid driving during rush hour.
  • I don’t mind helping with the dishes.

Common verbs followed by the gerund:

  • enjoy, avoid, admit, consider, suggest, finish, mind, keep, recommend, imagine

2. Verbs followed by the infinitive (to + verb)

Use the infinitive after verbs that talk about plans, hopes, decisions, and offers.

  • He wants to travel abroad this year.
  • They decided to cancel the meeting.
  • We hope to see you soon.

Common verbs followed by the infinitive:

  • want, hope, decide, plan, agree, offer, need, learn, promise, refuse

3. Some verbs can take both (but with a change in meaning)

  • I remember going to that beach as a child. (a memory)
  • I remember to lock the door. (a reminder to do something)

Other verbs like this include: stop, forget, try, regret

💡 Astuce

  • Verbs of enjoyment or habits → usually followed by the gerund.
  • Verbs of decisions, intentions, or plans → usually followed by the infinitive.
  • Learn common verb patterns in context — not all are logical!

Teste tes connaissances 📝

Question 1 sur 8Score: 0/8

She enjoys ___ to the cinema on weekends.

Découvre l'application : Français sans Fautes

Rejoins 500 000 personnes qui révisent les bases de l'orthographe sur l'application Français sans Fautes

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

D'autres règles similaires

Un peu de théorie

Is 'data' singular or plural?

In English, the word data can be treated as singular or plural depending on the context — and that’s where many writers get confused. Everyday and Informal Use: Singular In most general, informal, or...

Lire la suite→
La conjugaison

What Is an Appositive?

An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames or explains another noun right next to it. It helps to add detail or clarify meaning. Both the noun and the appositive refer to the same person or t...

Lire la suite→
Confusions fréquentes

“Different from” vs. “Different than”

In English, we often use the word different to talk about contrast or distinction. But should we say different from or different than? The answer depends on grammar and style — but in most cases, diff...

Lire la suite→
Le vocabulaire, le bon

Commas

Commas help organize your ideas. They show pauses, separate parts of a sentence, and keep things clear for your reader. Let’s look at the most useful rules — with simple examples! 1. Use a comma befo...

Lire la suite→
Un peu de théorie

The correct use of “anxious”

In everyday English, people often say they are anxious to do something when they actually mean they are eager or excited. However, these words do not mean the same thing. Anxious Anxious means feelin...

Lire la suite→
Les accords

Using “wish” + correct tense

We use wish to talk about situations that are unreal, impossible, or different from what we want. The verb after wish always shifts one step back in time, even if the meaning is present or future. Wi...

Lire la suite→
La conjugaison

What Is an Adverb?

An adverb is a word that modifies or gives more information about a verb, adjective, another adverb, or even a whole sentence. It helps answer questions like how?, when?, where?, and how often? Adver...

Lire la suite→
Les accords

Misplaced Modifiers

A misplaced modifier happens when extra information is in the wrong spot in a sentence. This can confuse readers — or make the sentence say something funny by mistake. Example of a misplaced modifier...

Lire la suite→