Gerunds or Infinitives? One Small Grammar Choice That Changes Meaning
- hace 17 horas
- 3 Min. de lectura
Professional English isn’t built in a day — it’s refined through consistent practice and the right support.
If you value clarity, guidance, and practical strategies you can use at work, follow along and explore what I share here:
English learners often ask a deceptively simple question:
Should I say “I like to work” or “I like working”?
The frustrating answer is: sometimes both are correct. But they are not always interchangeable, and understanding the difference can make your English sound far more natural, clear, and professional.
If you already use English at work, mastering gerunds and infinitives can help you communicate with greater precision in meetings, emails, presentations, and everyday conversations.
What Are Gerunds and Infinitives?
A gerund is a verb ending in -ing that functions like a noun.
Examples:
Reading helps me relax.
Working remotely requires discipline.
I enjoy collaborating with international teams.
In these examples, the action becomes a thing or activity.
An infinitive uses to + verb.
Examples:
I want to improve my presentation skills.
She decided to join the meeting.
We called to confirm the schedule.
Infinitives often express purpose, intention, goals, or decisions.
A useful way to remember the difference is this:
Gerunds focus on the activity itself.
Infinitives focus on the goal or purpose behind the action.
Gerunds After Certain Verbs
Some verbs are almost always followed by a gerund.
Common examples include:
enjoy
avoid
admit
suggest
consider
mention
For example:
I enjoy working with international teams.
She admitted making a mistake.
We avoided sending mixed messages.
He mentioned attending the conference next month.
Once you recognize these patterns, your English starts to become more automatic and fluid.
Instead of translating from your first language in real time, you begin hearing what “sounds right.”
Infinitives for Goals and Intentions
Other verbs naturally lead into infinitives.
Common examples include:
want
decide
refuse
agree
hope
plan
For example:
They decided to implement the new policy.
We agreed to move the deadline.
She refused to share the figures.
Infinitives are also extremely common when explaining why someone does something.
For example:
She called to confirm the schedule.
I stopped to check my email.
We met to discuss the proposal.
In professional English, this structure often sounds cleaner and more intentional.
Why Gerunds and Infinitives Matter in Professional English
This is where things become especially important.
Some verbs can use both forms, but the meaning changes depending on the structure.
Consider this pair:
I stopped working at 7:00 p.m.
I stopped to work at 7:00 p.m.
The first means you finished working.
The second means you interrupted another activity in order to begin working.
That is a major difference.
The same thing happens with verbs like remember, forget, and try.
Remember + Infinitive vs Gerund
I remembered to send the report.
→ I did not forget the action.
I remembered sending the report.
→ I have a memory of doing it.
One focuses on obligation or intention.
The other focuses on memory and experience.
Small grammar choices can completely change your message.
Gerunds or Infinitives? Learn the Pattern, Not Just the Rule
Many learners try to memorize enormous grammar lists.
A more effective strategy is to notice patterns repeatedly in real English.
Listen carefully to how professionals speak in meetings, interviews, podcasts, and presentations.
You will start noticing combinations like:
avoid saying
decide to move
enjoy working
agree to help
consider changing
The more exposure you get, the more natural these structures become.
Quick Practice: Gerund or Infinitive?
Choose the correct form.
We agreed ___ the proposal tomorrow.
She avoided ___ a direct answer.
I stopped ___ my email before the meeting.
They suggested ___ earlier next week.
He enjoys ___ with international clients.
Answer Key
to discuss
giving
to check
meeting
working
Final Thoughts
Gerunds and infinitives are not just grammar exercises for textbooks.
They shape meaning, intention, tone, and clarity in real communication.
When you understand the difference, your English becomes more precise and more professional.
And in high-stakes conversations, precision matters.
If you want to keep refining your professional English through practical explanations, real examples, and listening-based learning, explore the resources available across the BE Inglés website, podcast, and YouTube channel.
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