Infinitives and gerunds: Verb patterns
This A2 infinitives and gerunds test will help you get better at English. For beginners, practice verb patterns, check your answers, and learn with clear explanations.
Exercises & Summary
Infinitives and Gerunds Test
There are two common types of verbs in English: infinitives and gerunds. They help us talk about what we want to do, what we want to do, and what we want to do. You only need to learn the most useful patterns at the A2 level. This guide uses simple examples to explain them.
What is an infinitive
The base form of a verb with “to” is called an infinitive.
Examples
- to eat
- to go
- to study
After some verbs, we use infinitives.
Examples
- I want to eat pizza.
- She needs to study today.
- They decided to go home.
What is a gerund
The verb with “ing” is a gerund.
Examples
- eating
- going
- studying
Some verbs need gerunds after them.
Examples
- I enjoy reading.
- He likes swimming.
- They finished working.
Common verb patterns
Infinitives that come after verbs
Most of the time, these verbs need “to” and a verb.
- want to
- need to
- plan to
- hope to
- try to
Examples
- I hope to see you tomorrow.
- We plan to travel next month.
Verbs that come before gerunds
These verbs usually end in “ing.”
- enjoy
- like
- love
- hate
- finish
Examples
- She loves cooking.
- They hate waiting.
Verbs that can have two forms with a slight change in meaning
Some verbs can be in either form. You only need two basic ones at A2 level.
like
- I like to walk in the morning.
- I like walking in the morning.
The two forms are both correct and have almost the same meaning.
start
- He started to talk.
- He started talking.
It is possible to have both forms.
- After verbs like want, need, and plan, use infinitives with “to.”
- Use “ing” gerunds after verbs like enjoy, love, and finish.
- Some verbs can use both forms.
- You will be able to easily recognize verb patterns and use them correctly in your writing and speech if you practice them regularly.