Confused About Using 'to go' vs 'going' After Certain Verbs in English Sentences
I'm having trouble figuring out when I should use an infinitive (like "to go") and when I should use a gerund (like "going") after some verbs. For example, should I say "I decided to go home" or "I decided going home"? I also get stuck with sentences like "I enjoy to watch movies" versus "I enjoy watching movies."
Is there an easy way to know which verbs take an infinitive and which ones need a gerund? I see both forms used with different verbs, but I'm not sure if I'm doing it right. Any tips or rules would be really helpful!
Context:
I'm studying for the B2 English exam.
What to Know
| Question You Likely Still Have | Direct Answer | How To Apply It |
|---|---|---|
| What is the core rule for confused using going after? | In English, some verbs are usually followed by an infinitive (to + base form), while others are followed by a gerund (-ing form). | Verbs followed by an infinitive: "I want to leave." "She decided to study." Verbs followed by a gerund: "He enjoys reading." "They avoid eating late." A pattern to remember: Decid… |
| How do I apply confused using going after in a sentence like mine? | Use the infinitive: "I decided to go home." Is it like "enjoy"? | Use the gerund: "I enjoy watching movies." Self-Check: Try making two sentences with each pattern. |
| What mistakes should I avoid with confused using going after? | Verbs followed by an infinitive: "I want to leave." "She decided to study." Verbs followed by a gerund: "He enjoys reading." "They avoid eating late." A pattern to remember: Decid… | Enjoy is followed by a gerund ("enjoy doing"). |
3 Answers
A helpful way to approach this is to learn common verb patterns. In English, some verbs are usually followed by an infinitive (to + base form), while others are followed by a gerund (-ing form).
Verbs followed by an infinitive:
- "I want to leave."
- "She decided to study."
Verbs followed by a gerund:
- "He enjoys reading."
- "They avoid eating late."
A pattern to remember:
- Decide is followed by an infinitive ("to decide to do").
- Enjoy is followed by a gerund ("enjoy doing").
Practice:
Look at the verbs in your sentences. Is it like "decide"? Use the infinitive: "I decided to go home." Is it like "enjoy"? Use the gerund: "I enjoy watching movies."
Self-Check:
Try making two sentences with each pattern. For example: "I hope to travel next year" and "I finish studying by 9 PM." Check a reliable verb list if you are unsure.
When you’re unsure, it helps to test the sentence aloud and remember which verbs never take an infinitive or never take a gerund.
Incorrect:
- "I stopped to smoke." (This actually means you stopped some other action in order to smoke.)
- "I stopped smoking." (Means you quit the habit.)
Incorrect: "I suggested to have coffee."
Correct: "I suggested having coffee."
Feedback Tip: If your verb is suggest, enjoy, avoid, or finish, always use a gerund (going, doing). If your verb is decide, hope, promise, or plan, use an infinitive (to go, to do).
Self-editing practice:
Underline the main verb, ask: Is it in the 'gerund group' or 'infinitive group'? Then read your sentence again and correct it if needed.
Let’s compare pairs of sentences where only the form after the main verb changes. Notice how the meaning (and correctness) can depend on the verb you choose:
Infinitive with verbs of decision or intention:
- Correct: "She plans to visit London."
- Incorrect: "She plans visiting London."
Gerund with verbs of preference or avoidance:
- Correct: "He avoids driving at night."
- Incorrect: "He avoids to drive at night."
Rule of thumb: If the verb is about decisions, intentions, or promises (want, hope, decide, plan), use an infinitive. If it’s about likes, dislikes, or avoiding, use a gerund.
Practice: Write three verbs of each type, make simple sentences, and check if they sound right. If you’re unsure, try reading both forms out loud and listen for which is correct.
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