The Correct Use of Gerunds and Infinitives with Verbs: 'Playing' vs. 'To Play'

Understanding the usage of gerunds and infinitives with verbs can often be a source of confusion. In this article, we will explore the correct usage of 'playing' and 'to play' with specific verbs, providing clear examples and explanations. This guide is intended for English learners, content creators, and anyone interested in improving their writing skills.

Preferring 'Playing' and 'To Play'

When using verbs like 'prefer', 'enjoy', and 'love', it's crucial to understand the correct forms to use. This involves knowing the difference between gerunds ('playing', 'enjoying', 'loving', etc.) and infinitives ('to play', 'to enjoy', 'to love', etc.).

Gerunds: Playing

When the verb is expressing a general preference or enjoyment, such as 'playing', 'enjoying', or 'loving', you should use the gerund form ('playing', 'enjoying', 'loving'). For example:

I prefer playing games online: This statement expresses a general preference for the activity of playing games online. He enjoys playing in the park: This sentence expresses a general enjoyment of the activity of playing in the park.

Infinitives: To Play

When the verb expresses a specific desire or plan, you should use the infinitive form ('to play', 'to enjoy', 'to love'). For example:

I prefer to go out tonight: Here, the statement refers to a specific desire or plan to go out tonight. I would prefer to go out. This is used in the conditional mood and requires the base form after a verb like 'would prefer'.

Common Verbs and Their Usage

Some common verbs can be used with both gerunds and infinitives, while others can only use one form. Here are a few examples:

Verbs with Gerunds:

I enjoy playing: I love running: I hate working:

Verbs with Infinitives:

I want to play: I wish to enjoy: I plan to love:

However, there are some exceptions. For example:

I would prefer to go out … rather than watch the television: I love to read:

Why 'I prefer' and 'He enjoys' Use Different Forms

It's important to understand why certain verbs require the -ing form (gerund) and others require the infinitive form ('to play'). For instance, 'play' is not used after 'enjoy' as an infinitive:

I enjoy to play is not correct. 'Enjoy' requires a gerund form after it:

I enjoy playing in the park

Similarly, 'play' does not follow the infinitive 'to prefer'

I prefer to play is interchangeable with I prefer playing.

I would prefer to play or I prefer to play are both correct, but the gerund form is more common in everyday speech.

Summary

To summarize, use the gerund form ('playing', 'enjoying', 'loving') after verbs that express general preferences or enjoyment. Use the infinitive form ('to play', 'to enjoy', 'to love') when expressing a specific desire or plan. By following these rules, you can improve the clarity and correctness of your writing in English.

Conclusion

Mastering the rules of gerunds and infinitives can significantly enhance your English language skills. Practice using these forms with verbs such as 'prefer', 'enjoy', and 'love' to ensure your sentences are clear and grammatically correct. Keep exploring more examples and verbs to solidify your understanding.

Keywords

This article focuses on the following keywords:

Gerunds Infinitives Verb usage