Home » Structure » Gerund and Infinitive » Verb + Infinitive or Gerund
Some verbs are always followed by an infinitive and some verbs are always followed by a gerund.
For example:
We can only use the gerund after the verb enjoy.
It is CORRECT to say: I enjoy watching TV.
It is INCORRECT to say: I enjoy to watch TV.
And we can only use the infinitive after the verb decide.
It is CORRECT to say: I decided to go out
It is INCORRECT to say: I decided going out.
The lists below show verbs which can only be followed by the gerund and verbs which can only be followed by the infinitive.
The list below show verbs which can only be followed by the infinitive.
| afford | fail | plan |
| agree | guarantee | prepare |
| aim | happen | pretend |
| appear | have | promise |
| arrange | help (also without to) | refuse |
| attempt | hesitate | resolve |
| choose | hope | seem |
| claim | learn | stop |
| decide | manage | tend |
| demand | mean | threaten |
| deserve | need | want |
| expect | offer | wish |
The list below show verbs which can only be followed by the gerund.
| admit | enjoy | permit |
| advise | escape | postpone |
| allow | fancy | practise |
| appreciate | finish | reject |
| avoid | imagine | resist |
| can´t stand | involve | risk |
| consider | keep | stop |
| delay | mention | suggest |
| deny | mind | understand |
| dislike | miss | waste time / money |
Click on the links below to learn more about Gerunds and Infinitives