4月28日号：Infinitives and gerunds (1)

An infinitive is the word to + verb. For example, to see, to go and to eat are infinitives. A gerund is a verb + ing. For example, seeing, going and eating are gerunds.

When we put two verbs after each other in English, the second verb can be either:

1) an infinitive: to + (verb)

2) a gerund: (verb) + ing

However, some verbs can be followed by only to + (verb) and some verbs can only be followed by (verb) + ing. Unfortunately, there is no simple rule to know which one can follow a verb. So, you’ll need to memorize the rules for each verb.

Verbs such as want, ask, hope and learn can only be followed by to + (verb).

◆ I want to go skiing this winter.

◆ My mother asked me to buy some milk at the store.

◆ We hope to see you soon!

◆ Where did you learn to play the guitar?

Other examples of verbs that are only followed by to + (verb) are: agree, decide, promise and would like.

Verbs such as enjoy, look forward to, finish and suggest can only be followed by (verb) + ing.

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