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VERB + GERUND/INFINITIVE

Verb + gerund/infinitive


After certain verbs we use the -ing form, and after other verbs we use the infinitive. Sometimes we can use either form and there is no change in meaning. Occasionally we can use either form and there is a change in meaning.

The verbs followed by  -ing include enjoy, mind, stop and recommend.
I told him you really enjoy cooking.
Would you mind helping me?
It didn't stop raining all day yesterday.
Daisy recommends trying Alfie’s tiramisu.
The negative is verb + not + -ing.
Imagine not having pizza! I eat it all the time.
Verbs usually followed by -ing
stop, finish, imagine, suggest, recommend, avoid, mind, miss, risk, enjoy 

ExamplesRulesExplanations
Verb + gerund1. 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 + infinitive1. 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)

1- After verbs that express likes/dislikes :

  • like
  • love
  • enjoy
  • dislike
  • hate
Example:
" I like playing soccer but I hate boxing."
Note "like/love/hate..." can be also followed by an infinitive:
Example:
I like to watch TV in the evening.

2- After verbs  such as : 

VerbsExamples
admitHe admitted stealing the wallet.
adviseI wouldn't advise buying a used car.
allowThey don't allow smoking here. (Note that when an object is introduced an infinitive is used instead of a gerund: they allowed us to leave early.)
anticipateHe anticipated passing the exam.
avoidShe avoided meeting him.
appreciateI appreciate working with you.
completeThey completed building their house.
considerShe considered starting a new business.
delayShe delayed doing her homework.
denyHe denied stealing the money.
fancyFancy meeting you here!
finishShe finished writing the letter.
gogo swimming.
imagineHe imagines meeting her.
involvethe job involves working in teams.
keepHe keeps complaining about his girlfriend.
mentionHe mentioned working in that company.
mindWould you mind helping me?
missHe misses talking to her.
permitThe don't permit smoking here. (Note that, like allow, when an object is introduced an infinitive is used instead of a gerund: they permitted us to leave early.)
postponeThey postponed traveling to Japan.
practiceShe practiced painting.
rejectHe rejected working with them.
resistHe couldn't resist eating the cake.
riskShe risks losing her job.
suggestI suggest leaving early.
waste time/moneyDon't waste my time complaining.

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