HOME / GRAMMAR EXERCISES / GERUND OR INFINITIVE 1
GERUND OR INFINITIVE EXERCISE 2 (ESL)
| level:
Beginner/Intermediate (A2/B1)
Fill in each space with either
the gerund ("-ing") or
the infinitive form of the verb in parentheses.
Example: "
Reading in the dark is difficult. (to read)" OR
"Don't forget
to brush your teeth." (to brush)
MORE LIKE THIS:GERUND OR INFINITIVE 1,
GERUND OR INFINITIVE 3
GRAMMAR REVIEW! Gerunds vs. infinitives
Here's a clear and simple summary of when to use gerunds (verb + -ing) vs. infinitives (to + base verb) in English.
GERUNDS (verb + -ing)
• Used after certain verbs: enjoy, avoid, consider, admit, suggest, keep, mind, deny
Examples:
I enjoy reading.
She suggested going to the park.
• Used after prepositions
Examples:
He's good at drawing.
We talked about leaving early.
• Used as the subject or object of a sentence
Examples:
Swimming is fun.
I love cooking.
INFINITIVES (to + verb)
• Used after certain verbs: want, need, hope, plan, decide, learn, promise, agree
Examples:
I want to travel.
They decided to stay.
• Used to express purpose
Examples:
She studies to pass the exam.
He went outside to get some air.
• After adjectives
Examples:
It's hard to understand.
I'm happy to help.
TOP TIP! Some verbs (like "to stop") can take both, but the meaning changes:
Example:
I stopped smoking. (quit the habit)
I stopped to smoke. (paused something else to have a cigarette)
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DID YOU KNOW?
How doe the Cambridge English Exams check your writing?
The Cambridge English Exams (e.g., B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency) assess writing skills across different tasks, focusing on:
1. Task fulfillment - fully completing the assigned task (letter, essay, report, article, review, or proposal) and addressing all bullet points.
2. Organization & coherence - clear paragraphing, logical progression, and use of cohesive devices (e.g., however, moreover, in addition).
3. Vocabulary range - precise and varied language appropriate to the register and topic.
4. Sentence variety - mixing simple and complex structures effectively.
5. Accuracy - grammar, spelling, and punctuation to support clarity and readability.
How it's tested:
• Task 1 (shorter writing): e.g., email, letter, or report (150-190 words depending on level).
• Task 2 (longer writing): essay, article, or proposal (180-250+ words).
Writing is scored on Content, Communicative Achievement, Organization, and Language (vocabulary + grammar), emphasizing clear, accurate, and purposeful communication rather than isolated grammar knowledge.
