Let’s continue with the advanced uses of the gerund and the infinitive. Click here to read part I.

1. Some verbs can be followed either by the gerund or the infinitive with very little change in meaning.

I started doing my homework at 6pm.
I started to do my homework at 6 pm.

Attention!

There are some verbs that show changes in meaning when used either with the gerund or the infinitive. Check out some examples:

I stopped eating candies. (I don’t eat candies anymore.)
I stopped to eat candies. (I was doing another activity and then I went on to eat candies.)

I remembered giving her a gift. (First I gave her the gift. Then I remember that I did it.)
I remembered to give her a gift. (I made sure I didn’t forget to give her a gift.)

She forgot to sign the contract. (She was supposed to sign I, but she didn’t.)
She forgot signing the contract. (She signed the contract, but doesn’t remember doing so.)

2. There are some verb + preposition and adjective + preposition combinations that must be followed by the gerund

Verb + preposition

advise against, apologize for, approve of, believe in, choose between/among, complain about, deal with, dream about/of, feel like, insist on, look forward to, object to, plan on, rely on, resort to, succeed in, think about)

He complained about not being able to sleep with so much noise.
Do you feel like going to the movies tonight?
I’m planning on studying Spanish next year.
He succeeded in passing that difficult test.
I’m thinking about going to Italy in December.

Adjetive + preposition

afraid of, angry at, ashamed of, bad at, bored with/by, capable of, different from, excited about, fed up with, fond of, good at, interested in, pleased about, ready for, responsible for, satisfied with, sick of, sorry for/about, terrible at, tired of, worried about

She’s afraid of sleeping alone.
I’m bad at cooking.
Are you excited about traveling next month?
I’m sick of getting up early every morning.

3. The infinitive can also be used after some adjectives that show feelings and attitudes about the action in the infinitive.

Adjectives

afraid, alarmed, amazed, angry, anxious, ashamed, curious, delighted, depressed, determined, disappointed, distressed, disturbed, eager, embarrassed, encouraged, excited, fortunate, glad, happy, hesitant, lucky, pleased, proud, ready, relieved, reluctant, sad, shocked, sorry, surprised, touched, upset, willing + to.

Examples:

I was so proud to hear my daughter sing.
I’m so glad to be here today.
Are you ready to vote?
They’re so excited to go on vacation.

This is it for today, people! See you next time!