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You may wonder which verbs can be followed by gerunds and which verbs can be
followed by infinitives. With the following verbs, you can use either a gerund or an
infinitive.
Table 4.10 Infinitives and Gerunds Verbs
Base Form of Verb Sentences with Verbs Followed by
Gerunds and Infinitives
begin 1. John began crying.^- John began to cry.
hate 1. Marie hated talking^ on the phone.^ - Marie hated to talk on the phone.
forget 1. Wendell forgot paying^ the bills.^ - Wendell forgot to pay the bills.
like 1. I liked leaving^ messages.^ - I liked to leave messages.
continue 1. He continued listening^ to the news.^ - He continued to listen to the news.
start 1. I will start recycling^ immediately.^ - I will start to recycle immediately.
try 1. Mikhail will try climbing^ the tree.^ - Mikhail will try to climb the tree.
prefer 1. I prefer^ baking.^ - I prefer to bake.
love 1. Josh loves diving.^ - Josh loves to dive.
Exercise 6
On your own sheet of paper, complete the following sentences by choosing the correct
infinitive or gerund.
- I meant ____ (to kiss, kissing) my kids before they left for school.
- The children hoped (to go, going) to a restaurant for dinner.
- Do you intend ____ (to eat, eating) the entire pie?
- Crystal postponed ____ (to get dressed, getting dressed) for the party.
- When we finish ____ (to play, playing) this game, we will go home.