Verb Patterns: Gerunds and Infinitives

What the resources cover

The page is about choosing between the gerund and the infinitive after a verb. The mind map VERB PATTERNS sorts verbs into groups: verb + -ing, verb + to + infinitive, verb + object + to infinitive, verbs that take either form with no change in meaning, and verb + object + infinitive with no "to". Other resources look at gerunds after prepositions, the infinitive of purpose, and expressions with TAKE.

Where to start

1. Open the mind map VERB PATTERNS to see the main groups of verbs in one place.
2. Work through the flashcard deck Infinitives and gerunds B1, where you complete sentences with the gerund, the infinitive with "to" or without it.
3. Take the quiz Gerund or infinitive starter unit, which covers the gerund as a subject and the verbs that take it, such as like, love and hate.
4. Try Verb patterns: special cases (forget, try, remember, go on, stop, regret), where the meaning changes with the form.

Using quizzes and maps together

Do a quiz first and note which answers you missed. Then find the matching branch on a mind map and read the examples. For harder practice, the quiz GOLD advanced Unit 4 No pain without gain asks you to fill gaps such as avoid taking and need to prevent. After that, return to the flashcards to fix the verbs you got wrong.

Related patterns

Some resources go slightly beyond the basic choice. The mind map CAUSATIVE VERBS explains make, have and get, and Prefer, would prefer, would rather 1 covers expressing preference with -ing and to forms. Teachers may find these useful as short extension tasks.

Where this unit sits

This unit belongs to the strand Grammar: Verbs and Tenses in English language. Pick one resource, try it, and make your own maps or flashcards when you want to go further.