Common Verb Mistakes: Gerunds and Infinitives

Gerunds and infinitives are verb forms that can function as nouns. Here are some common mistakes:

Using the Wrong Form

• Incorrect: I like to swim.
• Correct: I like swimming.
• Incorrect: I decided swim.
• Correct: I decided to swim.

Using Gerunds or Infinitives with Specific Verbs

• Verbs followed by gerunds: enjoy, finish, keep, mind, avoid, practice, suggest
  • Example: I enjoy swimming.
• Verbs followed by infinitives: want, need, decide, hope, try, agree, offer, refuse
  • Example: I want to swim.

Practice Exercises:

1. I like (swim/swimming).
2. I decided (swim/to swim).
3. I enjoy (read/reading) books.
4. I want (learn/to learn) a new language.
5. I tried (stop/to stop) smoking.

Answers:

1. swimming
2. to swim
3. reading
4. to learn
5. to stop

Gerund and Infinitive Practice

Identify the correct form (gerund or infinitive) in each sentence.

1. I like (swim/swimming).
2. I decided (swim/to swim).
3. I enjoy (read/reading) books.
4. I want (learn/to learn) a new language.
5. I tried (stop/to stop) smoking.
6. She offered (help/to help) me.
7. I’m good at (run/running).
8. I decided (not go/not to go) to the party.
9. I’m looking forward to (see/seeing) you.
10. I tried (stop/to stop) smoking.

Answers:

1. swimming
2. to swim
3. reading
4. to learn
5. to stop
6. to help
7. running
8. not to go
9. seeing
10. to stop