GERUND OR INFINITIVE EXERCISE 1

| level:

Beginner/Intermediate (A2/B1)

Fill in each space with either the gerund ("-ing") or the infinitive (to ...) form of the verb.
Example: "Reading in the dark is difficult." OR "Don't forget to brush your teeth."

1. You are not allowed on the airplane. (smoke)

2. I couldn't help when he tripped! (laugh)

3. I enjoy to clubs. (go)

4. She expects people her, but she never helps anyone! (help)

5. My doctor advised me smoking. (quit)

6. Please stop . I can hear you fine! (shout)

7. I don't feel like tonight. (cook)

8. Would you mind the window? It's very hot in here. (open)

9. P1: My remote control doesn't work. P2: Try the batteries. (change)

10. In Los Angeles, is not allowed in any public building. (smoke)

11. Sometimes the truth can be difficult. (tell)

12. I don't understand why you have so much. (swear)

13. Don't forget the lights when you leave the room. (turn off)

14. You need your hair. It's getting very long. (cut)

15. Stop him and let him finish saying what he wants to say. (interrupt)

16. Do you want to the movies tonight? (go)

17. Hey, how about to see a movie tonight? (go)

18. I'm not interested in an expensive car. (buy)

19. It's true that English can be fun. (learn)

20. I suggest a vacation. (take)

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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