Gerunds

More Examples of Gerunds (-ing form)

1. As the subject of a sentence:

• Swimming is my favorite sport.

• Learning English takes time.

• Dancing is fun.

2. After certain verbs:

Some verbs are always followed by gerunds.

✅ Examples:

• I enjoy reading novels.

• She suggested going to the park.

• They finished watching the movie.

• He avoids eating fast food.

• We don’t mind helping you.

3. After prepositions:

✅ Examples:

• She is good at painting.

• We are interested in learning new languages.

• He apologized for being late.

• They left without saying goodbye.

4. After phrases like "can’t help," "can’t stand," "be worth," "it’s no use"

✅ Examples:

• I can’t help laughing at his jokes.

• She can’t stand waiting in long lines.

• It’s worth visiting that museum.

• It’s no use crying over spilled milk.

More Examples of Infinitives (to + verb)

1. After certain verbs:

Some verbs are always followed by infinitives.

✅ Examples:

• I want to travel to Italy.

• She decided to change her job.

• They need to study for the exam.

• He promised to help me.

• We hope to see you soon.

2. After adjectives:

✅ Examples:

• It’s important to drink water.

• He was happy to meet his friends.

• She is too tired to walk.

• This book is easy to understand.

3. After question words (what, where, how, when, who, etc.)

✅ Examples:

• I don’t know what to say.

• Can you tell me how to get to the station?

• She explained where to find the tickets.

• He learned how to play the guitar.

4. After "would like," "would love," "would prefer"

✅ Examples:

• I would like to order a coffee.

• She would love to visit Paris.

• They would prefer to stay at home.

Examples of Verbs That Can Take Both (With a Change in Meaning!)

1. Remember + Gerund vs. Infinitive

• I remember locking the door. (I have a memory of doing it - of the activity.)

• Remember to lock the door. (Don’t forget to do it.)

2. Stop + Gerund vs. Infinitive

• He stopped smoking. (He quit smoking.) (Přestat dělat aktivitu, co probíhá)

• He stopped to smoke. (He stopped what he was doing in order to smoke.) (Zastavit chodit, abych udělal tu aktivitu)

3. Try + Gerund vs. Infinitive

• Try calling him. (Experiment to see if he answers.) (Cíl je něco jiného)

• Try to call him. (Make an effort to call him.) (Aktivita v infinitivu je cílem)

4. Forget + Gerund vs. Infinitive

• Oh no! I forgot to lock the door. (I did not do it)

• I forgot locking the door, but I'm sure I must've locked it. (I did it but I forgot the memory)

4. Regret + Gerund vs. Infinitive

• I regret to tell you that she has died. (Sorry, but I am going to tell you bad news)

• I regret telling Julie my secret; now she has told everyone. (I wish I could change the past)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ I enjoy to read. → ✅ I enjoy reading.
❌ She suggested to go early. → ✅ She suggested going early.
❌ He decided going home. → ✅ He decided to go home.
❌ It’s important drinking water. → ✅ It’s important to drink water.
❌ She is interested to learn Spanish. → ✅ She is interested in learning Spanish.