Gerunds and Infinitives
Gerunds as Subjects
The gerund is the –ing form of the verb when it is used as a noun. We can use a gerund as a subject or as an object.
Walking is good for your health.
Too much dieting can be dangerous.
Terry quit smoking.
We go dancing every Saturday night.
He’s very good at listening to other people’s problems.
I am tired of worrying about money.
Verbs followed by gerunds
Here are some verbs that can be followed by a gerund but not an infinitve.
keep
postpone
dislike
recommend
avoiddetest
feel like
give up
put off
practice
finish
What would you recommend trying?
I dislike watching violence on television.
Here are some verbs that can be followed directly by an infinitive but not a gerund.
hope
expect
intend
agree
refuse
appear
manage
promise
afford
decide
choose
fail
wait
volunteer
Susan refuses to try new food.
We intend to ask for a raise.
Some verbs can be followed by a gerund or an infinitive. Be careful! In some cases the meaning changes.
try
remember
like
forget
love
prefer
start
begin
continue
can’t stand
I like eating in fancy restaurants.
Annie likes to eat fast food.