Difference Between Gerunds and infinitives definition with Example

Gerunds and infinitives are two important forms of verbs that often confuse English learners. Both look similar because they come from verbs, but they are used in different ways and follow different rules. Understanding the difference between them helps students write correctly, speak more naturally, and avoid common grammar mistakes. In this article, you will learn the definition of gerunds and infinitives, along with easy examples to show how each one is used. This simple and clear guide is perfect for beginners and school students who want to strengthen their English grammar with confidence.

What Are Gerunds?

A gerund is a verb ending in -ing that is used as a noun. It names an activity instead of showing an action. For example, when you say “Reading helps me relax,” the word reading acts like a thing you are talking about. Gerunds make it easy to describe everyday actions in a simple way, and they fit naturally in sentences as the subject or object.

You can use gerunds as:

• the subject of a sentence
• the object of a verb
• the object of a preposition

Examples:

• Swimming is good exercise.
• She enjoys reading.
• They left without saying goodbye.

Here, swimming, reading, and saying act like nouns even though they come from verbs.

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What Are Infinitives?

An infinitive is the base form of a verb usually written with the word to in front of it, like to eat, to walk, or to learn. It does not show time or action by itself; instead, it names a purpose, a plan, or a reason. For example, in the sentence “I want to rest,” the phrase to rest tells what the person wants to do. Infinitives are simple, flexible, and fit naturally in many sentences to explain goals or intentions.

Examples:

• I want to learn English.
• They decided to leave early.
• She has a plan to study abroad.

Here, to learn, to leave, and to study act as the purpose or intention.

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Gerunds and infinitives: Basic Difference

Both gerunds and infinitives can act like nouns, but they are not used in the same situations.

• Use gerunds for real, general, or completed actions.
• Use infinitives for future actions, intentions, or specific goals.

Examples:

• I stopped smoking. (I quit the habit.)
• I stopped to smoke. (I stopped something so that I could smoke.)

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Key Differences in a Table

Gerunds and Infinitives Comparison Table

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When to Use Gerunds

Some verbs are always followed by a gerund. These verbs talk about likes, dislikes, and activities.

Common Verbs Followed by Gerunds

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When to Use Infinitives

Some verbs are always followed by an infinitive. These verbs usually express desire, plan, attempt, or decision.

Common Verbs Followed by Infinitives

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Verbs That Can Take Both (But With a Change in Meaning)

Some verbs can follow either a gerund or an infinitive, but the meaning changes.

Meaning Change Table

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Gerunds After Prepositions

Gerunds always follow prepositions.

Examples:

• She is good at painting.
• He left without saying anything.
• They are interested in learning Spanish.

You never use an infinitive after a preposition.

❌ good at to paint
✔️ good at painting

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Infinitives to Show Purpose

Infinitives often express the reason for an action.

Examples:

• She came to study.
• He exercises to stay healthy.
• They opened the window to get fresh air.

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Gerunds as Subjects and Objects

Gerunds as subjects:

• Eating vegetables is healthy.
• Walking every day improves fitness.

Gerunds as objects:

• She enjoys cooking.
• I love dancing.

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Infinitives as Subjects and Objects

Infinitives as subjects:

• To learn a new language is exciting.
• To travel the world is my dream.

Infinitives as objects:

• He promised to help.
• They hope to win.

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Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Mistake 1: Using Infinitive After Prepositions

❌ She is interested to learn English.
✔️ She is interested in learning English.

Mistake 2: Using Gerund After Certain Verbs

❌ I want going home.
✔️ I want to go home.

Mistake 3: Confusing Meaning-Change Verbs

❌ I stopped to smoke. (Incorrect if you quit smoking.)
✔️ I stopped smoking. (Correct.)

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Advanced Rules of Gerunds and infinitives

1. Some Verbs Need an Object + Infinitive

Examples:

• She told me to wait.
• They asked him to help.

2. Some Verbs Need an Object + Gerund

Examples:

• I appreciate you coming early.
• She dislikes him interrupting.

3. Infinitives After Adjectives

Examples:

• It is easy to learn.
• I am happy to help.
• This book is hard to read.

Gerunds and infinitives Examples in English