English · B1 · grammar · 5 minutes
Gerund or infinitive
Learn how meaning and verb choice determine -ing or to + base after another verb.
Understand the choice
This system is lexical and semantic. Enjoy doing describes an activity; decide to do points to an intended action; remember doing recalls a past event, while remember to do means not forget a duty.
Core rule: Some verbs select -ing, some select to-infinitive, and a smaller group allows both with a change of meaning.
Notice it in context
I remembered to lock the door, but I remember meeting the owner.
Recordé cerrar la puerta con llave, pero recuerdo haber conocido al propietario.
Remember to lock looks forward to a duty; remember meeting looks backward to a memory.
She stopped smoking and stopped to answer the phone.
She ended the smoking habit, then paused another activity in order to answer.
Stop + -ing ends an activity; stop + to gives purpose.
We avoid driving but hope to travel by train.
We keep away from car travel and want a future train journey.
Avoid selects -ing; hope selects to-infinitive.
What to remember
- Prepositions are followed by -ing: interested in learning.
- Make and let take object + bare infinitive; help allows bare or to-infinitive.
Common trap: Do not expect a single universal rule to replace learning each verb’s complement pattern.