Two Ways to Use Verbs as Nouns
When one verb follows another, the second verb is either a gerund (-ing form) or an infinitive (to + base). Which one depends on the first verb — and you need to learn the patterns.
Gerund (-ing)
Acts like a noun. Can be subject of a sentence.
Swimming is great exercise.
I enjoy reading.
I enjoy reading.
Infinitive (to + verb)
After many common verbs.
I want to go home.
She decided to study law.
She decided to study law.
Key Verb Lists
Gerund (-ing) after:
enjoy · finish · mind · avoid · suggest · recommend · keep · practise · miss · can’t stand · give up
Infinitive (to +) after:
want · need · decide · choose · hope · plan · promise · refuse · manage · offer · agree · forget · learn
Both — same meaning:
like · love · hate · start · begin · continue
I like swimming = I like to swim
I like swimming = I like to swim
Both — DIFFERENT meaning:
remember · stop · try · forget
(see examples below)
(see examples below)
Tricky Verbs — Different Meanings
I stopped smoking. (I quit the habit)
stop + -ing = end an activity
I stopped to smoke. (I paused in order to smoke)
stop + to = pause for a purpose
I remember locking the door. (I recall doing it)
remember + -ing = memory of past action
Remember to lock the door! (don’t forget!)
remember + to = reminder for future
💡 Memory Hack
The “already done” trick
For the tricky verbs (stop, remember, try): -ing = already happened or happening now. to = still to happen in the future. “I remember meeting him” (already met — past memory). “Remember to meet him” (future task — don’t forget). The gerund looks back; the infinitive looks forward.