Practice gerund or infinitive verb patterns with B1+ grammar exercises, clear examples, answers, and detailed explanations.
Gerund or Infinitive: Verb Patterns Exercises
Some verbs in English are followed by a gerund (verb + -ing), some are followed by a to-infinitive, and some can be followed by both. These combinations are called verb patterns, and you need to learn them if you want to write and speak correctly.
Verbs followed by the gerund
When we talk about activities or experiences, we usually use the gerund after certain verbs.
Common verbs
- enjoy
- avoid
- finish
- consider
- suggest
- admit
Examples
- I enjoy learning new languages.
- She avoided talking about the problem.
- He admitted making a mistake.
Verbs followed by the to-infinitive
Some verbs are followed by “to” and another verb, which is often used to talk about plans, decisions, or intentions.
Common verbs
- decide
- hope
- plan
- refuse
- promise
- agree
Examples
- We decided to leave early.
- She hopes to find a new job.
- They refused to help us.
Verbs that can take both forms with a change in meaning
The meaning changes when you follow some verbs with a gerund or an infinitive.
Examples
- I remember locking the door. (I did it)
- I remember to lock the door. (I did not forget)
- He stopped smoking. (He quit the habit)
- He stopped to smoke. (He paused in order to smoke)
Verbs that can be used in both forms without changing the meaning much or at all
Some verbs can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive, and the meaning doesn’t change much.
Examples
- She likes reading before bed.
- She likes to read before bed.
Both forms are usually okay at the B1+ level.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Don’t mix up verb patterns.
Incorrect: She suggested to go home.
Correct: She suggested going home. - Don’t forget to use infinitives
Incorrect: He decided leave early.
Correct: He decided to leave early.
Some verbs are followed by gerunds, some by to-infinitives, and some by both.
Depending on the form used, the meaning can change in some cases.
Learning these verb patterns will help you sound more natural and avoid making common grammar mistakes.
