Interactive lesson on Gerunds (V‑ing) and Infinitives (to + V)
Gerunds and Infinitives are verb forms that often behave like nouns. The choice usually depends on the verb that comes before them.
enjoy, finish, mind, suggest, avoid, quit, practice, imagine, consider, risk
Example: They enjoy hiding the treasure.
want, need, decide, hope, plan, promise, agree, refuse, afford (and to show purpose)
Example: They decided to meet at midnight. (Purpose: We opened the safe to find the map.)
stop, remember, forget, try
Compare: I stopped to check the lock (I paused in order to check it) vs. I stopped checking the lock (I finished the action).
Agent Zara tried avoiding all mirrors in the dark hallway. She could not risk being seen. Her partner Marco had failed to report back an hour ago and she was starting to worry. She had promised herself to find the microchip and bring him home. She remembered meeting Marco just last week but it felt like a lifetime.
Zara began to move silently down the corridor. She could hear a faint sound. It sounded like someone was whispering. She stopped to check her watch. It was past the deadline. She considered calling for backup but knew her orders were to proceed alone. She did not mind taking the risk.
Marco had told her he enjoyed exploring old buildings. She hoped to find him before the others arrived. She tried opening the old wooden door but it was locked. She decided to use the override tool instead of breaking the handle. She imagined seeing him safe and sound soon. She refused to give up hope. She knew she must keep fighting for their mission to succeed.
ZARA: Marco, do you regret accepting this mission?
MARCO: No, I refuse to give up now. But I admit having second thoughts about the security here.
ZARA: We can't afford to fail. They are expecting to receive the chip by dawn.
MARCO: I suggest moving faster. This place is too quiet. I imagine seeing shadows in every corner.
ZARA: I need to locate that blueprint first. Do you remember securing the north entrance?
MARCO: Yes, I finished sealing it twenty minutes ago. I started hearing whispers just after that.
ZARA: Whispers? You must continue focusing on the objective. We must try to reach the central vault.
MARCO: I consider stopping for a minute to recharge the comms. The signal is weak.
ZARA: Negative. You must avoid delaying the timeline. I don't want to argue right now.
MARCO: Understood. I hope to find a better route soon. My leg is starting to hurt from running.
ZARA: I promise to send backup once I finish uploading the satellite data.
MARCO: Thank you. I decided to try the old maintenance tunnel. It might allow us to bypass the laser grid.
ZARA: Be careful. We can't risk losing contact again. I regret not sending more agents.
MARCO: It's fine. We must remember to destroy the evidence after we complete retrieving the chip.
ZARA: Yes, failing is not an option. Keep reporting your status every five minutes.
MARCO: Will do. I can't imagine failing after all this work. I look forward to seeing you soon.
ZARA: Remember to use the code phrase if you need help. I advise using the shadow paths.
MARCO: Understood. I finished repairing the console access point. Now I must prepare to enter the vault.
ZARA: Good luck. I am standing by to provide cover fire if necessary.
MARCO: Thank you, Zara. I'm going to begin the extraction now. I anticipate being quick.
ZARA: Hurry! I hear them coming up the main stairs.
Identify whether the highlighted verb form is a Gerund (V‑ing) or an Infinitive (to + V).
Choose the correct Gerund or Infinitive form to complete each sentence.
Click a word from the bank to place it into the next blank. Each word is used exactly once.
Use verbs that take Infinitives (e.g., plan to, hope to, decide to).
Use verbs that take Gerunds (e.g., avoid, enjoy, suggest, finish).
Write about something you regret doing or not doing in the past.
Use verbs that take Infinitives (e.g., plan, hope, intend, try).