Gerund and Infinitive after Adjectives

In English, certain adjectives are followed by either a gerund (-ing form) or an infinitive (to + verb), and choosing the correct form is essential for grammatically accurate sentences. Understanding which structure to use depends on the specific adjective and sometimes the meaning you want to convey.

Many adjectives that describe feelings or reactions are typically followed by infinitives. For example: "I'm happy to help you," "She was surprised to see him," or "They are eager to learn." Common adjectives in this category include glad, ready, willing, afraid, likely, and certain.

However, some adjectives are followed by prepositions, which then require a gerund. For instance: "I'm tired of waiting," "She's good at solving problems," or "He's interested in learning French." The preposition determines that a gerund must follow. Additionally, the construction "It's + adjective + gerund" appears in expressions like "It's no use crying over spilt milk" or "It's worth trying."

Mastering these patterns will help you sound more natural and avoid common errors that even intermediate learners make. Try the quiz to check your knowledge!