📘 Part of the Complete English Course · Intermediate (B1), week 10
Some verbs take -ing (avoid doing), some take to (agree to do), and a few change meaning (stop doing vs stop to do). Getting these right makes your English sound natural at work.
The rules
Common patterns
| + -ing | + to + verb |
|---|---|
| avoid, consider, suggest, keep, mind, practise | agree, arrange, expect, manage, offer, promise, refuse |
| I suggest checking the manual. | She agreed to cover my shift. |
Verbs that change meaning
| Verb | + -ing | + to |
|---|---|---|
| stop | stop doing = finish an activity: I stopped smoking. | stop to do = stop in order to: I stopped to buy coffee. |
| remember | remember doing = a memory: I remember locking it. | remember to do = don't forget: Remember to lock it. |
| try | try doing = experiment: Try restarting it. | try to do = make an effort: I tried to call. |
Remember
- Use -ing as a subject: Explaining the process clearly is important.
- Use to for purpose: I called to ask about the bill.
- When explaining a process: 'First, make sure you…', 'Remember to…', 'Avoid…ing'.
Listen and repeat
- Remember to sign the form before you submit it.
- I suggest restarting the machine first.
- He managed to finish the job on time.
- Try turning it off and on again.
Common mistakes
| Not this | Say this | Why |
|---|---|---|
| I suggest checking it. | suggest + -ing. | |
| She agreed to cover my shift. | agree + to. | |
| Remember to lock the door when you leave. | remember to = don't forget. |
Check yourself
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Frequently asked questions
When do we use Gerunds and infinitives in English?
Some verbs take -ing (avoid doing), some take to (agree to do), and a few change meaning (stop doing vs stop to do). Getting these right makes your English sound natural at work. Use -ing as a subject: Explaining the process clearly is important.
What are common mistakes with Gerunds and infinitives?
Say 'I suggest checking it.', not 'I suggest to check it.' (suggest + -ing). Say 'She agreed to cover my shift.', not 'She agreed covering my shift.' (agree + to). Say 'Remember to lock the door when you leave.', not 'Remember locking the door when you leave.' (remember to = don't forget).
What level is this Gerunds and infinitives lesson?
It's a Intermediate (B1) lesson, week 10 of the free Complete English Course. It takes about 10 minutes and ends with a quiz.