So when you need to decide which one to use, first check whether the main verb is limited only to gerunds, or only to infinitives.
If the verb is not on any of the lists, you can use the following guidelines:
. The word "go" + sports or recreational activities usually take a gerund.
Examples: "Let's go shopping", "They went skiing".
. After a preposition you should use a gerund.
Examples: "I will talk with you before going to lunch" "I am looking forward to working with you".
. Expressions with the words "have", "spend" and "waste" take a gerund.
Examples: "She had fun skiing", "He wasted all his time worrying".
. In many cases, the infinitive form is used to show the intention or purpose.
Examples: "We are here to help", "He left to catch the train".
. The infinitive form is also used to show the reason.
Examples: "we were sad to hear about your difficulties", "She was shocked to learn the truth".
. If neither of these guidelines apply, simply use the principle in Part I above.
Does it describe a concrete action? Then use a gerund.
Does it describe a general or potential action? Then use an infinitive.
Examples: "As a painter, I truly love painting",
"I love to paint. I wish I would paint more often".
Anyhow, whenever you are in doubt, you can always use a dictionary to help you out! Oxford Advanced Learner's dictionary is a really good one to use. It shows you whether the verb requires a gerund, and infinitive, or can take both. Just look at the data bellow the definition.
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