Gerund & Infinitive
Using Gerunds or infinitives One of the difficulties of the English language is to know whether to use a gerund (ex : doing) or an infinitive (ex : to do). Generally speaking we can use the following rules: Examples Rules Explanations Verb + gerund 1. I enjoy playing 2. I denied stealing Often we use the gerund for an action that happens before or at the same time as the action of the main verb. 1. I enjoy myself at the time of playing. 2. I deny having stolen anything before. Verb + infinitive 1. I decided to visit my uncle 2. I want to go out Often we use the infinitive for actions that follow the action of the main verb. 1. Visiting my uncle was an action of my decision. It comes after. 2. What I want (now) is to go out (after/later) These rules are helpful but DO NOT always explain all uses of gerunds and infinitives. Verbs commonly followed by a gerund 1- Afte...