Infinitive vs. Gerund — to swim or swimming?

Some verbs are followed by the infinitive (to + base verb) and others by the gerund (-ing form). Some verbs can take both but with a change in meaning. Knowing the most common patterns helps avoid grammar errors.

Infinitive and Gerund

Infinitive: to + base verb → to swim, to go, to eat Gerund: verb + -ing → swimming, going, eating

Both can act as nouns in a sentence:

Swimming is great exercise. (gerund as subject) To swim is great exercise. (infinitive as subject)

Verbs Followed by the Infinitive

These verbs take to + infinitive:

want	need	decide	hope	plan
manage	refuse	promise	agree	fail

I want to go home. She decided to study medicine. He refused to answer the question.

Verbs Followed by the Gerund

These verbs take the -ing form:

enjoy	finish	avoid	mind	suggest
keep	practise	imagine	consider	miss

I enjoy reading before bed. She finished doing her homework. He avoided answering the question.

Verbs That Take Both — With Different Meanings

remember / forget

Structure	Meaning	Example
remember + to infinitive	remember to do it (future task)	Remember to lock* the door.*
remember + gerund	remember doing it (memory of past)	I remember locking* the door.*

stop

Structure	Meaning	Example
stop + to infinitive	stop in order to do something	She stopped to tie* her shoelace.*
stop + gerund	stop doing something	She stopped eating* chocolate.*

Note

like, love, hate, prefer can take either form with little difference in most contexts in British English: I love to swim / I love swimming.

Real world: university application / personal statement

"I decided to study medicine after spending a summer in a hospital. I enjoy helping others and hope to make a difference. I have been practising my communication skills and plan to continue improving them."

Real world: instructions / warning label

"Avoid exposing the product to direct sunlight. Remember to store it below 25°C. If you fail to follow these instructions, the warranty may become void."

Tip Infinitives and gerunds are everywhere: in application forms ("I hope to join", "I enjoy working"), in product instructions ("Avoid mixing with water", "Remember to shake before use"), and in everyday conversation ("I stopped smoking", "She wants to travel").

Practice Problems

Choose the correct form: 'I enjoy __ (play) football.'

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'playing' — enjoy is followed by the gerund. 'I enjoy playing football.'

Choose: 'She forgot __ (turn off) the lights.' (She didn't turn them off)

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'to turn off' — forgot + to infinitive means she didn't do the task. 'She forgot to turn off the lights.'

Choose: 'He stopped __ (check) his phone every five minutes.' (He no longer does it)

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'checking' — stopped + gerund means he no longer does it. 'He stopped checking his phone every five minutes.'