Mastering Verb Patterns: Infinitive and Gerund in English Grammar
Are you often puzzled about when to use the infinitive form of a verb versus the gerund? You're not alone. Many learners find this one of the trickiest areas in English grammar, but with clarity and practice, it becomes much easier.
In this article, I’ll unravel the rules behind verb patterns involving infinitives and gerunds, show you common pitfalls, and give you practical tips to use them confidently. Whether you're a student, a professional, or just a language enthusiast, understanding these patterns will improve your accuracy and fluency.
So, what exactly is the difference between a verb followed by an infinitive or a gerund? And how do you decide which to use in various contexts? Keep reading—I’ll provide detailed explanations, examples, and exercises to help you master these essential English grammar patterns.
Understanding Verb Patterns: Infinitive and Gerund
Verb patterns refer to the specific ways verbs combine with other words—particularly with infinitives or gerunds—to convey meaning correctly.
What Are Infinitives and Gerunds?
- Infinitive: The base form of a verb, preceded by “to.”
Examples: to eat, to go, to read - Gerund: The -ing form of a verb functioning as a noun.
Examples: eating, going, reading
Both forms can follow certain verbs, but choosing between them depends on the specific verb and the context.
Why Does It Matter?
Using the right pattern—infinitive or gerund—is crucial for grammatical correctness and to convey the intended meaning. Some verbs only take infinitives, some only take gerunds, and others can take both but with different meanings or nuances.
Detailed Guide to Verb Patterns: When to Use Infinitives and Gerunds
Let’s break down the rules, list common verbs, and explore how their patterns influence sentence structure.
Verbs Followed by Infinitives
Use an infinitive after these types of verbs:
- Expressing an intention or purpose:
Examples: want, wish, intend, plan, hesitate - Verbs of decision or preference:
Examples: choose, decide, agree, refuse - Verbs requiring a verb of movement or change:
Examples: afford, seem, appear, promise
Common verbs followed by infinitives include:
| Verb | Example Sentence | Meaning/Note |
|---|---|---|
| want | I want to learn English. | Expresses desire. |
| decide | She decided to leave early. | Indicates a decision. |
| promise | He promised to call tomorrow. | Commits to an action. |
| hope | We hope to visit Paris. | Conveying hope or expectation. |
Verbs Followed by Gerunds
Use a gerund after these types of verbs:
- Verbs of enjoyment or preference:
Examples: like, love, enjoy, prefer - Verbs of stopping or quitting:
Examples: stop, quit, halt - Verbs related to acquiring skills or habits:
Examples: practice, suggest, recommend - Verbs expressing feelings or attitudes:
Examples: mind, dislike, avoid, worry
Common verbs followed by gerunds include:
| Verb | Example Sentence | Meaning/Note |
|---|---|---|
| enjoy | I enjoy reading books. | Expresses pleasure. |
| admit | He admitted stealing the cookies. | Acknowledgment. |
| avoid | She avoids talking in public. | Preventing an action. |
| suggest | I suggest going to the park. | Making a recommendation. |
Verbs That Can Take Both Infinitives and Gerunds (with Different Meanings)
Some verbs can be followed by either form, but with a shift in meaning:
| Verb | Example with Gerund | Example with Infinitive | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| stop | I stop smoking. (Quit smoking) | I stop to smoke. (Pause to smoke) | |
| remember | I remember meeting her. | I remembered to meet her. | |
| try | I try exercising daily. | I try to exercise more. | |
| forget | I forget calling him. | I forget to call him. |
Understanding these differences is essential to avoid confusion.
How to Master Verb Patterns in Practice
Here are practical tips to help you internalize and correctly use infinitive and gerund patterns:
- Learn the most common verb patterns first. Prioritize verbs like "want," "like," "enjoy," "decide," "hope," "stop," "remember," and "try."
- Create charts or tables. Visual aids help reinforce patterns and exceptions.
- Use authentic examples. Write sentences using new verbs to reinforce pattern recognition.
- Practice with exercises. Fill-in-the-blank, error correction, and identification exercises help solidify your understanding.
- Read extensively. Notice how native speakers use verb patterns in context.
- Speak and write regularly. Practice helps internalize correct patterns.
Rich Vocabulary and Its Role in Verb Patterns
Why does vocabulary matter so much? Because the more words you know, especially verbs, the easier it becomes to use the correct patterns naturally. Rich vocabulary allows you to express a wider range of thoughts and emotions precisely, whether you’re describing personality traits or emotional states.
Applying Verb Patterns to Describe Person and Things
Use verb patterns to give depth and detail to your descriptions. Here are five categories with examples:
1. Personality Traits
- Loving: “She loves helping others.”
- Caring: “He cares about his students.”
- Nurturing: “They enjoy nurturing young plants.”
2. Physical Descriptions
- Tall: “He is tall enough to reach the shelf.”
- Petite: “She prefers wearing petite-sized clothes.”
3. Role-Based Descriptors
- Supportive: “They are supportive of their friends.”
- Involved: “She enjoys being involved in community projects.”
4. Cultural/Background Adjectives
- Traditional: “He maintains traditional cooking methods.”
- Modern: “They prefer modern designs in architecture.”
5. Emotional Attributes
- Compassionate: “She is compassionate toward animals.”
- Encouraging: “He encourages students to participate.”
Using these in sentences involves correct verb pattern choices:
- “She enjoys nurturing her garden.”
- “He decides to support the charity.”
- “They prefer modern art.”
Grammar Instruction: Correct Positioning and Usage
Why is verb pattern position important? Because incorrect placement can confuse meaning or cause grammatical errors.
Rules for Correct Positioning
- The infinitive to + verb always appears directly after the main verb or its complement.
Example: I want to learn English. - The gerund verb + -ing functions as a noun and can appear as the subject, object, or complement.
Examples: Cooking relaxes me. I enjoy cooking. Her hobby is painting.
Practice Exercises
- Fill in the blank with the correct form:
He … (decide) to join the team. - Correct the sentence:
I enjoy to read books. (Answer: I enjoy reading books.) - Identify the pattern:
She plans to travel abroad. (Answer: Infinitive pattern.)
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | Example | Correct Version | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Using gerund after verbs that require infinitives | He refused going. | He refused to go. | Some verbs require the infinitive form. |
| Using infinitive when a gerund is needed | I enjoy to read. | I enjoy reading. | "Enjoy" is followed by a gerund. |
| Mixing up similar verbs with different patterns | He stopped smoke. | He stopped smoking. | "Stop" takes gerund when meaning quit. |
Tip: Always check a reliable list of verbs and their patterns to avoid these common errors.
Similar Variations in Verb Patterns
Some verbs change meaning based on the pattern:
- Remember (gerund: recall an action)
I remember locking the door. - Remember (infinitive: remember to do something)**
Remember to lock the door.
Additionally, phrasal verbs and multi-word expressions often follow specific pattern rules, which are worth learning for full mastery.
Why Rich Vocabulary of Verb Patterns Matters
A broad range of verbs and their associated patterns help in expressing complex ideas, emotions, and descriptors more precisely. It enables you to:
- Communicate with clarity
- Avoid ambiguity
- Show proficiency and confidence in English
Rich vocabulary coupled with correct verb pattern usage makes your speaking and writing more engaging and professional.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of infinitive and gerund after verbs is fundamental for achieving grammatical accuracy and rich expression in English. With practice, attention to detail, and expanding your vocabulary, you can confidently build sentence structures that are correct and expressive.
So, keep practicing, memorize common patterns, and pay attention to context—your command of English will become clearer and more fluid!
By understanding and practicing these verb patterns, you'll unlock a powerful way to communicate your ideas vividly. Keep these guidelines in mind, and you'll be speaking and writing with greater precision in no time!
Remember: Verb patterns are a cornerstone of advanced English fluency. Use this knowledge to elevate your language skills today!