Gerund vs Infinitive: Which One to Use?

Spanish: Gerundio o Infinitivo: ¿Cuál usar?

Level: B1 Intermediate

Category: verbs

Explanation

In Spanish, the infinitive (ending in -ar, -er, -ir) and the gerund (ending in -ando, -iendo) are two non-personal verb forms, but they are used in very different situations. The most common mistake for English speakers is translating the "-ing" form directly, because in English that ending covers both uses. In Spanish, each form has its own territory. The infinitive works like a verbal noun. That is why it appears as the subject of a sentence (Fumar es malo = Smoking is bad), as a complement after many verbs (Quiero comer, Me gusta bailar), and, above all, after any preposition (antes de salir, sin pensar, para aprender). If in English you would say "to do" or use "-ing" right after a preposition, in Spanish you almost always need the infinitive. The gerund, on the other hand, expresses an action in progress, something happening right now or continuously. It appears mainly with the verb "estar" to form the present continuous (Estoy comiendo = I am eating) and with verbs of continuity such as "seguir", "continuar", "llevar" and "ir" (Sigo estudiando, Llevo dos horas esperando). It also indicates the manner in which something is done (Entró corriendo = He came in running). The practical key is to ask yourself: am I naming the action or describing an action in progress? If you name it as a concept, use the infinitive; if you present it as something happening right now or continuing, use the gerund. Mastering this distinction makes your Spanish sound much more natural.

Examples

• Me gusta tomar café por la mañana. - I like to drink coffee in the morning.
• Estoy esperando mi pedido en la barra. - I am waiting for my order at the counter.
• Antes de pagar, quiero ver la cuenta. - Before paying, I want to see the bill.
• El recepcionista sigue buscando mi reserva. - The receptionist keeps looking for my reservation.
• Para reservar una habitación, necesito su pasaporte. - To book a room, I need your passport.