Gerund vs. Infinitive
Gerunds and infinitives can both follow verbs, but the allowed pattern depends on the governing verb and sometimes changes the meaning. This guide treats the choice as a verb-pattern question, not a universal substitution rule.
Use the complement pattern licensed by the verb: some verbs take -ing, some take a to-infinitive, and some allow both with little or substantial meaning change.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| governing verb licenses only or normally an -ing complement | verb + -ing | Use the gerund-participial complement required by that verb pattern. |
| governing verb licenses only or normally a to-infinitive | verb + to-infinitive | Use the infinitive required by that verb pattern. |
| governing verb allows both | verify whether meaning changes | Some verbs allow both with little difference; others change meaning. |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Have you verified which complement pattern the governing verb licenses in the intended meaning?
If yes: Use the licensed -ing or to-infinitive pattern, including any meaning distinction documented for that verb.
If no: Do not swap gerunds and infinitives mechanically; check the governing verb and sense.
Caveat: There is no single gerund-versus-infinitive rule that applies after every verb; the governing verb and intended sense control the choice.
Examples
She avoided driving at night.
“Avoid” selects an -ing complement in standard usage.
They decided to leave early.
“Decide” selects a to-infinitive in this use.
He stopped smoking.
With verbs that allow more than one pattern, the complement can affect meaning.
Further guidance
Meaning Boundary
Some verbs allow both patterns but the choice can shift emphasis or meaning, as with remember, stop, mean, and try.
Pattern Boundary
Different verbs license different complements; memorize or verify the governing verb pattern rather than swapping forms mechanically.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Verb patterns: verb + infinitive or verb + -ing? (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Verb-complement patterns, including verbs taking -ing, to-infinitive, or both with meaning differences