Infinitives and Gerunds: When 'To' Leads to Different Verb Forms

When to is used in English, the verb that follows can take on different forms. While it is generally used with an infinitive, there are instances where it can also be followed by a gerund. This article explores the conditions under which a verb can become a gerund when used after the word to, helping English learners and writers to master this nuanced aspect of language.

Understanding Infinitives and Gerunds

First, it's important to clarify the definitions of infinitives and gerunds:

Infinitive

An infinitive is a form of a verb that begins with the word to. It can be used as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb. The infinitive to ask, for example, can function as a noun, as in "Her habit is to ask questions."

Gerund

A gerund, on the other hand, is a verb form that ends in -ing and functions as a noun. It is derived from a verb but is used to describe an action. For instance, "Running is her favorite exercise."

Context Matters: Infinitives vs. Gerunds After 'To'

The form of the verb after to depends on the context. In general, to is often followed by an infinitive.

Examples with Infinitives

I want to go to the store. She needs to talk to her boss. He decided to accept the offer.

However, certain verbs like "be opposed to," "be fond of," "be opposed to," and "be used to" take a gerund after to. Let's look at each of these:

Subject Verb Gerund Object

ID: I am opposed to going to the movies.

Mark: We are opposed to vacationing at the beach.

John: He was amenable to constructing a wall between Canada and Maine.

Richard: He was opposed to increasing funding for Amtrak.

Logistical Explanation: Prepositions and Particles

Understanding the role of to is crucial to determining whether the following verb should be an infinitive or a gerund.

As a Particle

When to is a particle before an infinitive, it cannot be followed by a gerund:

I want to take a walk. (Not: I want to walking)

I need to study for the exam. (Not: I need to studying)

As a Preposition

When to functions as a preposition, it should be followed by a gerund:

I am looking forward to seeing her. (Not: I am looking forward to see her)

He is not used to drinking alcohol. (Not: He is not used to drink alcohol)

Special Cases: Gerunds as Adjectives

There are also special cases where the gerund can function as an adjective, modifying a noun. This is also true when the gerund explains a noun. For example:

I am looking forward to swimming practice.

There is a swimming pool.

In these contexts, the verb ending in -ing acts as an adjective, modifying the noun that follows:

Participial vs. Gerund Adjectives

To further distinguish the forms, consider the sentence: "I would love to know whether the word swimming in this sentence is a participle or a gerund." This requires an explanation of the difference between a participle and a gerund. A participle shows a relationship between a verb and a noun, often in the past or present continuous tense. A gerund functions as a noun and indicates an ongoing action.

Conclusion

Mastering the rules for infinitives and gerunds after the word to is crucial for clear and effective communication in English. By understanding when to use an infinitive and when to use a gerund, you can enhance your writing and speaking skills. Remember that the choice between an infinitive and a gerund depends on the context and the specific verbs involved.