Infinitive or Gerund — 2 Bac English Grammar

2nd Year Bac · Grammar

Infinitive or Gerund?

Learn when to use 'to do' and when to use 'doing' — with clear rules, examples, and a practice test.

The two forms

Every verb in English can appear in two important forms. Once you can tell them apart, the rest of the lesson is easy.

Infinitive

Uses “to” + the base verb (to eat, to run).

It shows a goal or a future action.

I want to eat a pizza. (Eating is the goal.)

Gerund

Adds “-ing” to the base verb (eating, running).

It acts like a noun — the action itself.

Running is good exercise. (Running is the subject.)

المصدر الصريح (Infinitive): يتكوّن من “أن” يليها الفعل الأساسي، ويعمل كهدف أو فعل مستقبلي. مثال: أريد أن آكل بيتزا.
المصدر المؤول (Gerund): يتكوّن بإضافة “-ing” إلى الفعل، ويعمل كاسم يمثّل الفعل نفسه. مثال: المشي رياضة جيدة.

The quick rule

Remember this

Main action or goal → use to + verb. Talking about the activity itself → use verb + -ing.

💡 Also useful

Gerunds follow prepositions (in, on, at): I’m interested in learning French. Infinitives follow some adjectives (happy, difficult): It’s easy to understand.

Careful — the meaning can change

Some verbs take both forms, but the meaning shifts. These are the ones exams love to test.

⚠️ Common trap

I stopped working. = you stopped completely.
I stopped to talk to him. = you stopped in order to talk.

More examples

We began working. (started the action) vs. We began to work. (planned to)
I like cooking. (enjoy the idea) vs. I like to cook. (enjoy the activity)

Which verbs take which?

The fastest way to get these right in the exam is to recognise the common verbs in each group.

Followed by GERUND (-ing)

admitadoreappreciateavoidconsiderdelaydetestdislikeenjoyfancyfinishimaginekeepmindmisspostponepracticepreventquitresistrisktolerate

Followed by INFINITIVE (to)

agreeaimappeararrangeaskattemptchoosedecidedemanddeserveexpectfailhopelearnmanageofferplanpreparepretendpromiserefuseseemwaitwantwish

Infinitive WITHOUT 'to'

helphaveletmake

💡 Note

The last group uses verb + noun + base verb: Let him go. Make her smile.

✏️

Your turn — infinitive or gerund?

1. I enjoy ___ books in my free time.
2. She promised ___ me with my homework.
3. They decided ___ for a walk after dinner.
4. He suggested ___ a movie tonight.
5. We need ___ some groceries for the party.
6. She likes ___ to music while she works.
7. He loves ___ soccer on weekends.
8. They plan ___ their grandparents next month.
9. I started ___ Spanish last year.
10. She hates ___ her room every day.
11. He can’t stand ___ in long lines.
12. We avoid ___ fast food too often.
13. She forgot ___ her friend yesterday.
14. He enjoys ___ dinner for his family.
15. They discussed ___ to Europe this summer.
16. I want ___ my English speaking skills.
17. She regrets ___ him the secret.
18. He suggested ___ out for dinner tonight.
19. They agreed ___ at the park tomorrow.
20. I like ___ movies on weekends.

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Infinitive or Gerund — 2 Bac English Grammar