1) An Introduction to Infinitives

(the basics for beginners)

Infinitives are the "to" form of a verb in its base form: Ex. to learn, to walk, to talk, to listen
Infinitives can be made negative by adding "not: Ex. I decided not to go.

They can be nouns. They usually name activities.

They can be the subject of a sentence: Ex. To be with friends is fun. And they can be objects of a verb (direct object): Ex. I like to run. Infinitives are similar to gerunds (a verb that acts as a noun form: base verb + ing) and both can be a subject or direct object of a sentence. Ex. I like to swim. (infinitive) I like swimming. (gerund)

2) Which to use infinitive or gerund?

Deciding whether to use a gerund or an infinitive after a verb can be confusing. Example: Why do we decide to run, but we would never decide running? On the other hand, we might avoid running, but we would not avoid to run. Reason: Some verbs take gerunds, some verbs take infinitives, and some verbs take either. You have to remember which ones. The verb GO is followed by a gerund in certain idiomatic expressions about activities. Example:

I want to dance.(infinitive) OR I want to go dancing. (gerund) This is not allowed in all cases. Examples: I want to study. (CORRECT) I want to go studying. (INCORRECT) I want studying (INCORRECT)

3) Which to use infinitive or gerund? (cont.)

It is more difficult to choose between a gerund or an infinitive, when it is the direct object of a sentence. When they are a direct object, gerunds and infinitives are not normally interchangeable. The main verb in the sentence usually determines whether you use a gerund or an infinitive. Examples:
He enjoys running. "Enjoy" requires a gerund. He wants to run. "Want" requires an infinitive.

Some verbs are followed by gerunds as objects. Some verbs are followed by infinitives.
**If necessary, See the list of common verbs that are followed by the infinitive**