What is the difference between Gerunds and Infinitives?

Gerunds

To describe the purpose of SOMETHING ,use for + gerund.

Infinitives

To describe the purpose of SOMEONE,use an infinitive.

EXERCISE

I used the iPod to listen to music.

 iPod is used for listening to music.

Common verbs that can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive without causing a change in meaning

•   
• begin
• continue
• hate
• intend
• like
• love
• prefer
• start

Common verbs that are followed by an infinitive

• 
  
• afford
• agree
• appear
• arrange
• ask
• care
• decide
• demand
• expect
• fail
• forget
• 
  
• hope
• learn
• manage
• mean
• offer
• plan
• prepare
• pretend
• promise
• refuse
• 
  
• 
  
• remember
• seem
• stop
• volunteer
• wait
• want
• wish
• 
  
• 
  

Common verbs that are directly followed by a noun or pronoun and then by an infinitive

• 
  
• advise
• allow
• ask
• cause
• challenge
• command
• convince
• expect
• forbid
• force
• 
  
• hire
• instruct
• invite
• order
• pay
• permit
• program
• remind
• teach
• tell
• urge
• 
  
• 
  
• want
• warn

Common verbs and phrases that are followed by a gerund

• advise
• avoid
• be used to
• can’t help
• can’t stand
• consider
• deny
• discuss
• dislike
• end up
• enjoy
• feel like
• finish
• forget
• get used to
• give up
• go on
• have difficulty
• have problems
• have trouble
• imagine
• it’s no use
• it’s worthwhile
• keep
• look forward to
• mention
• mind
• miss
• recommend
• remember
• quit
• spend time
• stop
• suggest
• understand
• waste time
• work at