Gerunds and Infinitives — Enjoyed Working vs Wanted to Teach (B1)

Gerunds and Infinitives

Two verb forms, one big difference — know which one to use after every key verb

From Sourov’s world: I enjoyed working as a barista. I loved pulling a perfect espresso — the 9-bar pressure, the 28-second extraction, the crema that settles like velvet. But at the same time, I wanted to teach English. I decided to pursue the Cambridge CELTA course. I hoped to make a difference for learners who were sitting where I once sat — on a kerb at Sydney Airport, unable to ask for help. Two verbs in those sentences follow different patterns: enjoyed working (gerund) and wanted to teach (infinitive). This lesson explains why — and helps you remember which is which.

📚 Language Focus

Gerund = verb + -ing used as a noun: working, teaching, swimming

Infinitive = to + base verb: to work, to teach, to swim

Verbs followed by GERUND (verb + -ing):

Verbs followed by INFINITIVE (to + base verb):

Both (with meaning change): remember, forget, stop, try
I stopped to drink coffee. (I stopped in order to drink — purpose)
I stopped drinking coffee. (I no longer drink it — I quit)

CCQs: Does the first verb express preference/habit/feeling? — Often gerund. Does it express wish/intention/plan for the future? — Often infinitive. Is the action general and habitual? — Gerund. Is it a specific planned action? — Infinitive.

💡 Examples

🍵 Gerund (verb + -ing)

• I enjoyed making coffee every morning at Popolo.
• She avoided taking the early shift on weekends.
• He kept practising his French until it felt natural.
• Would you mind helping with the wine list?

🏫 Infinitive (to + base verb)

• I decided to pursue English teaching after 18 years in hospitality.
• She hopes to work in a Michelin-starred restaurant one day.
• He managed to pass all four CELTA assignments.
• We plan to open a language school in La Réunion.

✏️ Quick Check

Choose the correct form: gerund (-ing) or infinitive (to + verb).

1. She suggested _______ (book) a table in advance.
2. I would like _______ (try) natural wine next time.
3. They refused _______ (leave) the restaurant without dessert.
4. Do you enjoy _______ (learn) new languages?
5. He promised _______ (arrive) before the dinner service.

🗣️ Try It Yourself

Write 6 true sentences about yourself: 3 using verbs that take a gerund (enjoy, avoid, miss, finish) and 3 using verbs that take an infinitive (want, plan, hope, decide). Make them specific — the more personal the example, the better you’ll remember the pattern.