Gerunds and infinitives

Approximate A2–B1 · editorial content label, not a certified rating.

Some verbs are followed by an ing form naming an activity: enjoy reading. Others take to plus a base verb: decide to leave. A preposition usually takes an ing form when a verb follows it: interested in learning. Learn a short example with the main verb.

Try the three exercise formats

Examples to compare

  • I enjoy reading.
  • We decided to leave.
  • She is interested in learning English.

Watch the meaning and the limits

The pattern is partly lexical, so there is no universal meaning trick. Some verbs allow both forms, sometimes with a change of meaning. Stop talking means end the talking; stop to talk means pause another activity in order to talk. These drills use unambiguous common patterns.

Read each example aloud, then change one detail to make a sentence you could use. Continue with focused practice when you want a different set.

Common mistakes and how to fix them

Mistake: I enjoy to read.

Use: I enjoy reading.

Enjoy normally takes an ing form for an activity.

Try the pattern

3 choose questions · 2 sentence completions · 2 word gaps. Read the reason after every answer. No timer.

Typed answers stay on this page. This guided set checks the requested construction; it does not judge general writing. Read the accepted answers and reasons.

Use it in your own sentence

Write one sentence about your own routine or situation. Check the subject, verb form and intended meaning against the rule above. A different sentence may need a different form: these exercises accept the reviewed answers for their stated context.

Try the next practice set, or choose another grammar point.

All drill answers and reasons

  1. I enjoy ___ before work.

    Choices: reading / to read / read

    Accepted: reading

    Enjoy normally takes an ing form for an activity.

  2. We decided ___ early.

    Choices: to leave / leaving / leave

    Accepted: to leave

    Decide takes to plus the base form.

  3. She is interested in ___ English.

    Choices: learning / learn / to learn

    Accepted: learning

    A verb following the preposition in uses ing here.

  4. Complete using decide and leave: We ___ early yesterday. Use past simple.

    Accepted: decided to leave

    Decide takes to plus the base verb leave.

  5. Complete with the verb pattern after like: I like ___ before bed. (read)

    Accepted: reading / to read

    Like can take reading or to read here; both express enjoyment or preference.

  6. I enjoy ___ before bed. Use read in the correct form.

    Accepted: reading

    Enjoy takes the ing form reading.

  7. She is interested in ___ English. Use learn in the correct form.

    Accepted: learning

    After the preposition in, use the ing form learning.

Practice questions

How do the three exercise formats work?

Choose asks you to pick an answer. Complete the sentence asks you to type the missing phrase. Fill in the word asks for one word, or no article where stated. Every checked answer includes a reason.

Which typed answers are accepted?

Use the form and meaning requested in the prompt. Reviewed alternatives and contractions are accepted where they fit. Capital letters, surrounding spaces, straight or curly apostrophes and a final full stop, question mark or exclamation mark do not affect marking. The answer reference lists the accepted forms.

Are my typed answers sent or saved?

Typed answers stay on this page in your browser. They are not sent to the server or saved. If device progress is available, completing a set records only the activity and study points on this device.

Can this check my own writing or certify my level?

No. This is a small guided set with reviewed answers, not a general grammar checker or a level certificate. An unlisted answer does not mean it is always wrong in English. Read the prompt and the explanation for this construction.

Further reference: Cambridge English Grammar Today. The explanations, examples and exercises here are original; each lesson covers a useful pattern rather than every exception.