* The gerund( -ing)
running
Example: Running is good for your health.
* The infinitive (to...)
to run
Example: They had to run to school today.
* The bare infinitive
run
Example: You must run to keep fit.
Whether we use the gerund, the infinitive or the bare infinitive depends very much on what comes before it in the sentence.
Choice of gerund, infinitive or bare infinitive after certain verbs
Below is a list of the most commonly used verbs which can be followed by:
1. a gerund (-ing) only;
2. either a gerund or an infinitive (to...);
3. An infinitive only;
4. Verbs followed by a bare infinitive only.
5. Either a gerund or an infinitive (different meaning)
1. Verbs followed by gerund only
- admit - fancy
- anticipate - finish
- appreciate - can't help
- dislike - imagine
- discuss - keep (on)
- enjoy - mention
- avoid - mind
- consider - miss
- complete - recall
- delay - resent
- deny - spend (time or money)
- detest
- postpone
- practise
- quit
- recollect
- risk
Examples:
1. They avoided talking to the old beggar.
2. I really detest having to take exams.
3. I can't help thinking how lucky I am.
4. I resent being told to do it.
5. He spends all his time playing video games.
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2. Verbs followed by either gerund or infinitive (no change in meaning)
- attempt
- intend
- can't bear
- can't stand
- begin
- start
- stand
- continue
Examples:
1. He attempted swimming/ to swim across the river.
2. I started studying/ to study for my final exams.
3. She cannot bear listening/ to listen to rock music.
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3. Verbs followed by infinitive only
- afford - hesitate
- agree - hope
- aim - learn
- appear - long
- arrange - manage
- choose - mean
- claim - wish
- consent - offer
- decide - plan
- demand - prepare
- deserve - pretend
- fail - promise
- struggle - swear
- tend - threaten
- volunteer
Examples:
1. I can't afford to buy a new car.
2. He aims to become the next Prime Minister.
3. I didn't mean to hurt her feelings.
4. He refused to listen to my opinion.
5. I long to swim in the sea.
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4. Modal Verb followed by bare infinitive only
- will
- shall
- would
- would rather
- had better
- should
- can
- could
- would sooner
- may
- might
- must
Examples:
1. You must work hard if you want to succeed.
2. Perhaps you would like to see my books.
3. He will be the first foreign teacher to teach here.
4. He couldn't explain why you should take my advice.
5. I had better go home. It is quite late.
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5. There is one more small group of verbs which can come before either a gerund or an infinitive. However, the meaning of the sentence changes according to the verbal used.
- forget
- remember
- try
- stop
- regret
- go on
Look at some examples of how the meaning changes according to the verbal used:
a) forget
I forgot to tell him. ( Meaning: carrying out a duty or fulfilling a task)
I forget playing tennis for the first time. (Meaning: I have no recollection of doing so)
b) remember
I remembered to lock the door, but I forgot to shut the windows. (Meaning: I remembered that I had to lock it, so I locked it)
I know I locked the door. I clearly remember locking it.( Meaning: I locked it, and now I remember this)
c) try
I tried to paint the house. ( Meaning: I made an attempt/ effort to do it)
I tried painting the house pink. (Meaning: I experimented to see how it would look)
d) stop
He stopped to smoke a cigarette. (Meaning: He took a break and smoked a cigarette)
He stopped smoking cigarettes. (He quit/ He gave up smoking)
e) regret
I regret to inform you of his health (Meaning: I am sorry to say/ to tell you/ to inform you...)
I now regret saying what I said. I shouldn't have said it. (Meaning: I did it and now I'm sorry about it)
f) go on
After discussing the economy, the president then went on to talk about foreign policy. (Meaning: go on to do something= do or say something new)
The president paused for a moment and then went on talking. (Meaning: go on doing something= continue with the same thing)
http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/grammar-reference/verbs-followed-ing-or-infinitive-1
http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/grammar-reference/verbs-followed-ing-or-infinitive-2
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