| Whether to use an infinitive (e.g., to go) or a gerund (e.g., going) depends on what comes before the gerund or the infinitive. |
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Some verbs are always followed by infinitives.
- Example: Several drug users volunteered to participate in the survey.
 Download a list of common verbs and adjectives followed by infinitives (PDF).
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Some verbs are always followed by gerunds.
- Example: A few of the participants avoided answering the questions.
Download a list of common verbs followed by gerunds (PDF).
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Some verbs can be followed by infinitives or gerunds.
- Examples: They preferred keeping details of their drug use a secret.
They preferred to answer those questions that were less direct.
Download a list of common verbs followed by either gerunds or infinitives (PDF).
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Some adjectives, such as difficult and interesting, are always followed by infinitives.
- Example: It was difficult to convince the survey participants that their responses would be kept anonymous.
Download a list of common verbs and adjectives followed by infinitives (PDF).
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Prepositions, such as about, of, are always followed by gerunds.
- Example: The research subjects were afraid of revealing something about themselves that might get them in trouble with the law.
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| Download Grammar Explanation (PDF) |
