Gerunds and Infinitives after Adjectives, Nouns, and Pronouns
Ever wonder whether to use ‘to go’ or ‘going’ after certain words? This section dives into the specific rules governing gerunds and infinitives when they follow adjectives (like happy to see), nouns (like the decision to leave), and pronouns. Master these structures to improve your English accuracy.
⏰ When to Use Infinitives?
Adjective + Infinitive
When an adjective is followed by an infinitive (to + verb), the infinitive typically refers to a general action or situation:
Examples:
It’s boring and difficult to work at night.
It’s important to arrive on time.
She’s happy to help you.
Common adjectives used with infinitives:
- easy/difficult/hard
- good/bad
- interesting/boring
- important/necessary
- happy/sad/pleased/delighted
- ready/prepared
- careful/careless
Noun + Infinitive
The infinitive after a noun often shows purpose or function:
Examples:
This is an interesting place to visit.
I don’t have time to exercise.
She found a way to solve the problem.
Do you have any questions to ask?
Pronoun + Infinitive
Similarly, infinitives after pronouns often express purpose:
Examples:
I have someone to help me with this project.
I need something to eat.
There’s nothing to worry about.
She has nowhere to go.
⏰ When to Use Gerunds?
Adjective + Gerund
When an adjective is followed by a gerund (verb + -ing), the gerund usually refers to a specific activity or experience:
Examples:
It was boring waiting in line for the roller coaster. But it was cool riding on it.
Reading that book was interesting.
Swimming in the ocean is exciting.
He found walking in the rain relaxing.
Common adjectives used with gerunds:
- good/bad
- worth
- busy
- interesting/boring/exciting
- difficult/easy
- fun/enjoyable
Fixed Expressions + Gerund
Certain fixed expressions are always followed by gerunds:
Examples:
I spend a lot of time traveling for my job.
The museum is worth visiting.
We had fun playing games at the party.
She wasted time looking for her keys.
Common fixed expressions with gerunds:
- feel like
- be worth
- can’t help
- can’t stand
- have fun/difficulty/trouble
- spend/waste time
- look forward to
- be used to
📝 Key Differences in Meaning
Sometimes the choice between gerund and infinitive creates a difference in meaning:
She stopped smoking. (She quit the habit of smoking)
It’s interesting to read this book. (General statement about the action)
Reading this book is interesting. (Specific experience)
She stopped to smoke. (She stopped what she was doing in order to smoke)
Ready to Choose the Right Verb Form After English Adjectives, Nouns, and Pronouns?
Knowing when to use a gerund or an infinitive after adjectives, nouns, and pronouns is a fantastic step to sounding more precise and natural in English. It’s how you distinguish “easy to learn” from “worth learning“!
Do you want to practice these tricky but crucial grammar patterns and apply them correctly in real conversations? My online English classes offer fun, interactive ways to master gerunds and infinitives in these contexts, along with all other essential grammar points. You’ll get plenty of chances to speak and build your confidence.
Let’s plan your English success together!
Click here to find out more and book your trial class today!