Doing or to do? Follow the arrow.
-ing often looks back or names the activity; to often looks forward to a goal. See it as an arrow, check your verb, then test yourself with a short quiz.
I remember locking the door.
-ing looks back: a memory. remember doing →
Doing or to do? Pick the first verb.
Choose the verb that comes before the second one.
Doing or to do, at a glance
Which verbs take -ing, which take to, and which change meaning.
The pairs people mix up
You understand it. Now find it in your own writing.
Paste an email or an essay. Clarigram marks the mistakes you actually make, shows the rule behind each one as a picture, and builds your practice from them.
Questions people ask
What's the difference between a gerund and an infinitive?
A gerund is the -ing form used like a noun (swimming). An infinitive is the base form, usually with to (to swim). Which one comes next depends mostly on the verb before it.
Is there a general rule?
A useful tendency: -ing often looks back or names an activity (I enjoy swimming, I remember meeting her); to often looks forward to a goal (I want to swim, Remember to call her). After a preposition, it's always -ing.
Which verbs should I learn first?
With -ing: enjoy, avoid, finish, mind, suggest, keep. With to: want, decide, hope, plan, need, would like. And the ones that change meaning: remember, forget, stop, try.