Mastering Spanish Gerunds vs. Infinitives: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding the nuances between Spanish gerunds and infinitives is crucial for achieving fluency and accuracy in Spanish. Both forms play significant roles in verb conjugation and sentence construction, but they function differently and are not interchangeable. This article provides a detailed exploration of Spanish gerunds and infinitives, covering their definitions, structures, uses, and common pitfalls. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will help you confidently navigate these essential grammatical concepts, improving your ability to express yourself clearly and correctly in Spanish.

This comprehensive guide is designed for students, language enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Spanish grammar. By mastering the distinctions between gerunds and infinitives, you’ll enhance your reading comprehension, writing skills, and overall communication proficiency. Get ready to unlock a new level of fluency and precision in your Spanish language journey!

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Definitions: Gerunds and Infinitives
  • Gerund Definition
  • Infinitive Definition
• Structural Breakdown
  • Gerund Formation
  • Infinitive Forms
• Types and Categories
  • Gerund Types
  • Infinitive Categories
• Examples
  • Gerund Examples
  • Infinitive Examples
  • Gerund vs. Infinitive Examples
• Usage Rules
  • Gerund Usage Rules
  • Infinitive Usage Rules
  • Periphrastic Verb Constructions
• Common Mistakes
• Practice Exercises
  • Exercise 1: Gerund or Infinitive?
  • Exercise 2: Correct the Sentence
• Advanced Topics
  • Gerund as Adverbial Phrases
  • Infinitive as Noun Clauses
• FAQ
• Conclusion

Definitions: Gerunds and Infinitives

To effectively differentiate between Spanish gerunds and infinitives, it’s essential to understand their individual definitions and functions within a sentence. These verb forms, while both non-finite, serve distinct grammatical roles.

Gerund Definition

The gerund in Spanish, also known as the gerundio, is a non-finite verb form that expresses an action in progress. It is equivalent to the English ‘-ing’ form of a verb when used as a verb. The gerund typically functions as an adverb, modifying the verb by describing how the action is being performed. It can also function as part of a periphrastic verb construction, indicating a continuous action. The Spanish gerund always ends in either -ando (for -ar verbs) or -iendo (for -er and -ir verbs).

For example, in the sentence “Estoy comiendo” (I am eating), “comiendo” is the gerund, indicating that the action of eating is currently in progress.

Infinitive Definition

The infinitive in Spanish, or infinitivo, is the base form of a verb. It is equivalent to the English ‘to + verb’ form. Infinitives can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs within a sentence. They can also be used in periphrastic verb constructions and after certain prepositions. The Spanish infinitive always ends in -ar, -er, or -ir.

For example, in the sentence “Quiero comer” (I want to eat), “comer” is the infinitive, functioning as a noun that is the object of the verb “quiero“.

Structural Breakdown

Understanding how gerunds and infinitives are formed is vital for using them correctly. This section details the structural elements of each verb form, providing a clear guide to their construction.

Gerund Formation

The Spanish gerund is formed by adding the endings -ando or -iendo to the verb stem. The stem is obtained by removing the infinitive ending (-ar, -er, or -ir) from the verb. Here’s a breakdown of the formation process:

1. Identify the verb infinitive: For example, hablar (to speak), comer (to eat), vivir (to live).
2. Remove the infinitive ending: Remove -ar, -er, or -ir to obtain the stem: habl-, com-, viv-.
3. Add the appropriate gerund ending:
   • For -ar verbs, add -ando: hablando (speaking).
   • For -er and -ir verbs, add -iendo: comiendo (eating), viviendo (living).

Irregular Gerunds: Some verbs have irregular gerund forms. These irregularities often involve stem changes. For example, the verb leer (to read) has an irregular gerund: leyendo (reading). Similarly, dormir (to sleep) becomes durmiendo (sleeping).

Infinitive Forms

The infinitive form in Spanish is the most basic form of the verb. It ends in -ar, -er, or -ir. There are no structural changes required to identify or use the infinitive form, as it is the form listed in dictionaries.

Examples of Infinitives:

• Hablar (to speak)
• Comer (to eat)
• Vivir (to live)
• Escribir (to write)
• Cantar (to sing)

Types and Categories

While both gerunds and infinitives have primary functions, they can also be categorized based on their specific roles within a sentence. Understanding these categories can further clarify their usage.

Gerund Types

The gerund primarily functions as an adverb, but it can also be part of periphrastic verb constructions. Here are the main types:

• Adverbial Gerund: Modifies the verb, indicating how the action is performed. Example: Ella canta caminando (She sings while walking).
• Periphrastic Gerund: Used with auxiliary verbs like estar to form continuous tenses. Example: Estamos estudiando (We are studying).

Infinitive Categories

The infinitive can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb, depending on its role in the sentence. Here are the main categories:

• Infinitive as Noun: Functions as the subject or object of a verb. Example: Cantar es mi pasión (Singing is my passion).
• Infinitive as Adjective: Modifies a noun. Example: No tengo nada que decir (I have nothing to say).
• Infinitive as Adverb: Modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb, often after prepositions. Example: Estudio para aprender (I study to learn).

Examples

To solidify your understanding of gerunds and infinitives, let’s explore a wide range of examples organized by category.

Gerund Examples

The following table provides examples of gerunds used in different contexts. Note how the gerund describes the manner in which the action is performed or indicates an ongoing action.

Sentence	Translation	Gerund	Function
Estoy leyendo un libro.	I am reading a book.	leyendo	Periphrastic (Continuous Action)
Ella está escribiendo una carta.	She is writing a letter.	escribiendo	Periphrastic (Continuous Action)
Estamos comiendo pizza.	We are eating pizza.	comiendo	Periphrastic (Continuous Action)
Ellos están durmiendo.	They are sleeping.	durmiendo	Periphrastic (Continuous Action)
Voy caminando al trabajo.	I go walking to work.	caminando	Adverbial (Manner)
Ella habla cantando.	She speaks singing.	cantando	Adverbial (Manner)
Él estudia escuchando música.	He studies listening to music.	escuchando	Adverbial (Manner)
Llegué corriendo a la estación.	I arrived running to the station.	corriendo	Adverbial (Manner)
Sigo pensando en ti.	I keep thinking about you.	pensando	Periphrastic (Continuous Action)
Continúa lloviendo.	It continues raining.	lloviendo	Periphrastic (Continuous Action)
Anda diciendo tonterías.	He goes around saying nonsense.	diciendo	Periphrastic (Continuous Action)
Salieron corriendo.	They left running.	corriendo	Adverbial (Manner)
Entré gritando.	I entered shouting.	gritando	Adverbial (Manner)
Pasé la tarde leyendo.	I spent the afternoon reading.	leyendo	Adverbial (Manner)
El niño está aprendiendo a leer.	The boy is learning to read.	aprendiendo	Periphrastic (Continuous Action)
Vamos aprendiendo poco a poco.	We are learning little by little.	aprendiendo	Periphrastic (Continuous Action)
He estado trabajando mucho.	I have been working a lot.	trabajando	Periphrastic (Continuous Action)
Vivo estudiando.	I live studying.	estudiando	Adverbial (Manner)
Estaba nevando cuando llegamos.	It was snowing when we arrived.	nevando	Periphrastic (Continuous Action)
Vamos avanzando lentamente.	We are advancing slowly.	avanzando	Periphrastic (Continuous Action)

This table illustrates how gerunds function both as adverbs describing the manner of an action and as part of periphrastic constructions indicating continuous actions.

Infinitive Examples

The following table showcases infinitives used as nouns, adjectives, and adverbs. Notice how the infinitive’s function changes depending on its context within the sentence.

Sentence	Translation	Infinitive	Function
Fumar es malo para la salud.	Smoking is bad for your health.	Fumar	Noun (Subject)
Quiero viajar a España.	I want to travel to Spain.	viajar	Noun (Object)
Necesito estudiar más.	I need to study more.	estudiar	Noun (Object)
Es importante aprender español.	It is important to learn Spanish.	aprender	Noun (Subject)
No tengo tiempo para dormir.	I don’t have time to sleep.	dormir	Adjective (Modifies “tiempo”)
Hay mucho que hacer.	There is a lot to do.	hacer	Adjective (Modifies “mucho”)
Tengo un libro que leer.	I have a book to read.	leer	Adjective (Modifies “libro”)
Necesito una casa donde vivir.	I need a house to live in.	vivir	Adjective (Modifies “casa”)
Estudio para aprender.	I study to learn.	aprender	Adverb (Modifies “estudio”)
Trabajo para vivir.	I work to live.	vivir	Adverb (Modifies “trabajo”)
Viajo para conocer el mundo.	I travel to see the world.	conocer	Adverb (Modifies “viajo”)
Lo hago para ayudarte.	I do it to help you.	ayudarte	Adverb (Modifies “hago”)
El saber no ocupa lugar.	Knowledge takes up no space.	saber	Noun (Subject)
Es un placer verte.	It’s a pleasure to see you.	verte	Noun (Subject complement)
Me gusta bailar.	I like to dance.	bailar	Noun (Object)
El poder escuchar es importante.	Being able to listen is important.	escuchar	Noun (Subject)
El amar es un sentimiento profundo.	To love is a deep feeling.	amar	Noun (Subject)
No sé qué decir.	I don’t know what to say.	decir	Noun (Object – within the clause)
El decidir es difícil.	Deciding is difficult.	decidir	Noun (Subject)
Es necesario salir temprano.	It is necessary to leave early.	salir	Noun (Subject)
Prefiero leer a escribir.	I prefer reading to writing.	leer, escribir	Noun (Objects)

This table demonstrates the versatility of infinitives, highlighting their roles as nouns, adjectives, and adverbs within Spanish sentences.

Gerund vs. Infinitive Examples

This table provides direct comparisons between the use of gerunds and infinitives in similar contexts to illustrate their distinct functions.

Sentence with Gerund	Translation	Sentence with Infinitive	Translation	Explanation
Estoy aprendiendo español.	I am learning Spanish.	Quiero aprender español.	I want to learn Spanish.	Gerund: Continuous action. Infinitive: Action as a noun (object of “quiero”).
Sigo trabajando en el proyecto.	I keep working on the project.	Necesito trabajar en el proyecto.	I need to work on the project.	Gerund: Continued action. Infinitive: Action as a noun (object of “necesito”).
Salí corriendo de la casa.	I left running from the house.	Salí para correr.	I left to run.	Gerund: Manner of leaving. Infinitive: Purpose of leaving.
Ella canta caminando.	She sings while walking.	Le gusta cantar.	She likes to sing.	Gerund: Manner of singing. Infinitive: Singing as a noun (object of “gusta”).
Pasé la tarde leyendo.	I spent the afternoon reading.	Necesito leer este libro.	I need to read this book.	Gerund: How the afternoon was spent. Infinitive: Action as a noun (object of “necesito”).
Él estudia escuchando música.	He studies listening to music.	Él necesita escuchar la lección.	He needs to listen to the lesson.	Gerund: Manner of studying. Infinitive: Action as a noun (object of “necesita”).
Está lloviendo mucho.	It is raining a lot.	Va a llover pronto.	It is going to rain soon.	Gerund: Continuous action. Infinitive: Part of future construction.
Seguimos viviendo aquí.	We continue living here.	Queremos vivir aquí.	We want to live here.	Gerund: Continued action. Infinitive: Action as a noun (object of “queremos”).
Entré gritando.	I entered shouting.	Entré para gritar.	I entered to shout.	Gerund: Manner of entering. Infinitive: Purpose of entering.
Estoy escribiendo una novela.	I am writing a novel.	Quiero escribir una novela.	I want to write a novel.	Gerund: Continuous action. Infinitive: Action as a noun (object of “quiero”).
Ella está comiendo.	She is eating.	Ella quiere comer.	She wants to eat.	Gerund: Continuous action. Infinitive: Action as a noun (object of “quiere”).
Ellos están durmiendo.	They are sleeping.	Ellos necesitan dormir.	They need to sleep.	Gerund: Continuous action. Infinitive: Action as a noun (object of “necesitan”).
Voy caminando lentamente.	I am walking slowly.	Necesito caminar.	I need to walk.	Gerund: Manner of going. Infinitive: Action as a noun (object of “necesito”).
Anda diciendo mentiras.	He goes around telling lies.	Le gusta decir la verdad.	He likes to tell the truth.	Gerund: Continuous action. Infinitive: Action as a noun (object of “gusta”).
Vamos aprendiendo español.	We are learning Spanish.	Tenemos que aprender español.	We have to learn Spanish.	Gerund: Continuous action. Infinitive: Action as a noun (object of “tenemos”).
Estaba trabajando cuando llamaste.	I was working when you called.	Necesitaba trabajar.	I needed to work.	Gerund: Continuous action. Infinitive: Action as a noun (object of “necesitaba”).
Sigo pensando en ella.	I keep thinking about her.	Necesito pensar.	I need to think.	Gerund: Continued action. Infinitive: Action as a noun (object of “necesito”).
Continúa nevando.	It continues snowing.	Va a nevar.	It is going to snow.	Gerund: Continued action. Infinitive: Part of future construction.
Salieron corriendo.	They left running.	Salieron para correr.	They left to run.	Gerund: Manner of leaving. Infinitive: Purpose of leaving.
Paso mi tiempo libre leyendo.	I spend my free time reading.	Necesito leer más.	I need to read more.	Gerund: How the time is spent. Infinitive: Action as a noun (object of “necesito”).

This table provides a clear contrast between gerund and infinitive usage, highlighting their distinct meanings and functions in similar contexts. Understanding these differences is crucial for accurate and fluent Spanish communication.

Usage Rules

Mastering the rules governing gerund and infinitive usage is essential for avoiding common errors and ensuring grammatical correctness.

Gerund Usage Rules

The gerund in Spanish has specific usage rules that must be followed to ensure correct grammar. Here are the key rules:

1. Continuous Actions: Use the gerund with the verb estar to express actions in progress. Example: Estoy hablando (I am speaking).
2. Manner of Action: Use the gerund to describe how an action is performed. Example: Ella canta caminando (She sings while walking).
3. Simultaneous Actions: Use the gerund to indicate an action that occurs simultaneously with the main verb. Example: Estudio escuchando música (I study listening to music).
4. Avoid as Adjective: Do not use the gerund as an adjective. Instead, use a relative clause or another construction. Incorrect: El agua hirviendo. Correct: El agua que está hirviendo (The water that is boiling).
5. Immediate Consequence: The action described by the gerund should be an immediate consequence of the main verb’s action.

Important Note: The gerund should not be used to express actions that happen after the main verb’s action. This is a common mistake for English speakers, as the ‘-ing’ form in English can sometimes indicate subsequent actions.

Infinitive Usage Rules

The infinitive has a broader range of uses compared to the gerund. Here are the key rules for infinitive usage:

1. After Prepositions: Use the infinitive after prepositions such as a, de, en, para, and por. Example: Voy a estudiar (I am going to study).
2. As Noun: The infinitive can function as the subject or object of a verb. Example: Cantar es mi pasión (Singing is my passion).
3. After Certain Verbs: Use the infinitive after certain verbs such as querer, necesitar, poder, deber, and saber. Example: Quiero comer (I want to eat).
4. With Impersonal Expressions: Use the infinitive after impersonal expressions such as es necesario, es importante, and es posible. Example: Es necesario estudiar (It is necessary to study).
5. As Adjective: The infinitive can modify a noun, often with the preposition que. Example: No tengo nada que decir (I have nothing to say).

Important Note: When using infinitives after verbs, ensure that the subject of both verbs is the same unless otherwise indicated. For example, “Yo quiero que tú estudies” (I want you to study) uses the subjunctive because the subjects are different.

Periphrastic Verb Constructions

Both gerunds and infinitives are commonly used in periphrastic verb constructions, which consist of an auxiliary verb followed by a non-finite verb form (gerund or infinitive). These constructions add nuances of meaning to the verb.

Gerund Periphrases:

• Estar + Gerund: Indicates an action in progress. Estoy comiendo (I am eating).
• Seguir + Gerund: Indicates a continued action. Sigo trabajando (I keep working).
• Andar + Gerund: Indicates going around doing something. Anda diciendo tonterías (He goes around saying nonsense).
• Ir + Gerund: Indicates a gradual action. Vamos aprendiendo (We are gradually learning).
• Venir + Gerund: Indicates an action that has been happening for some time. Vengo observando (I have been observing).

Infinitive Periphrases:

• Ir a + Infinitive: Indicates future action. Voy a estudiar (I am going to study).
• Tener que + Infinitive: Indicates obligation. Tengo que estudiar (I have to study).
• Deber + Infinitive: Indicates obligation or probability. Debo estudiar (I should study).
• Poder + Infinitive: Indicates ability. Puedo estudiar (I can study).
• Saber + Infinitive: Indicates knowing how to do something. Sé nadar (I know how to swim).

Common Mistakes

One of the most common mistakes is confusing the uses of the gerund and the infinitive, especially for English speakers. Here are some typical errors and their corrections:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
El agua hirviendo.	El agua que está hirviendo.	Gerund cannot be used as an adjective.
Después de comer, voy al cine.	Después de comer, iré al cine.	The action expressed by the gerund must be simultaneous or previous to the main verb.
Estoy queriendo ir.	Quiero ir.	Avoid using “estar + gerund” with verbs expressing states of mind (like querer).
Para yo estudiar.	Para estudiar.	The infinitive after “para” does not need a pronoun if the subject is the same as the main clause.
Él me dijo de ir.	Él me dijo que fuera.	When “decir” introduces a command or suggestion, use the subjunctive.
A pesar de estar lloviendo, salimos.	A pesar de que estaba lloviendo, salimos.	Better to use “que” after “a pesar de” to introduce a clause.
Estoy sabiendo la respuesta.	Sé la respuesta.	“Saber” is rarely used in the gerund form because it expresses a state, not an action in progress.
Después de terminar, te llamo.	Después de terminar, te llamaré.	The action expressed by the gerund must be simultaneous or previous to the main verb, so needs future tense.

Correcting these common mistakes will significantly improve the accuracy and fluency of your Spanish.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of gerunds and infinitives with these practice exercises. Each exercise includes questions and answers to help you reinforce your knowledge.

Exercise 1: Gerund or Infinitive?

Choose the correct form (gerund or infinitive) to complete each sentence.

Question	Answer
1. Estoy ______ (leer) un libro interesante.	leyendo
2. Quiero ______ (viajar) a Europa el próximo año.	viajar
3. Ella aprende español ______ (escuchar) música.	escuchando
4. Es importante ______ (estudiar) todos los días.	estudiar
5. Sigo ______ (trabajar) en este proyecto.	trabajando
6. Necesito un lugar para ______ (vivir).	vivir
7. Él salió ______ (correr) esta mañana.	corriendo
8. Vamos a ______ (comer) en un restaurante nuevo.	comer
9. Estoy ______ (escribir) una carta a mi amigo.	escribiendo
10. Es necesario ______ (dormir) ocho horas cada noche.	dormir

Exercise 2: Correct the Sentence

Identify and correct the error in each sentence. If the sentence is correct, write “Correct.”

Question	Answer
1. El agua hirviendo está en la estufa.	Incorrect. Correct: El agua que está hirviendo está en la estufa.
2. Estoy queriendo ir al cine.	Incorrect. Correct: Quiero ir al cine.
3. Después de comer, voy a la cama.	Incorrect. Correct: Después de comer, voy a ir a la cama.
4. Estudio para aprendiendo español.	Incorrect. Correct: Estudio para aprender español.
5. Estoy leyendo un libro.	Correct

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, understanding the nuances of gerunds and infinitives in more complex sentence structures is essential. This section explores their roles in adverbial phrases and noun clauses.

Gerund as Adverbial Phrases

Gerunds can form adverbial phrases that provide additional information about the verb in the main clause. These phrases often describe the manner, time, or condition of the action.

Examples:

• Estando enfermo, no pude asistir a la reunión. (Being sick, I couldn’t attend the meeting.) – Condition
• Caminando por la calle, me encontré con un amigo. (Walking down the street, I ran into a friend.) – Time
• Estudiando mucho, aprobarás el examen. (Studying hard, you will pass the exam.) – Condition
• Leyendo el periódico, me enteré de las noticias. (Reading the newspaper, I found out about the news.) – Time
• Trabajando diligentemente, lograrás tus objetivos. (Working diligently, you will achieve your goals.) – Manner

In these examples, the gerund phrase modifies the entire main clause, providing context and additional details about the action.

Infinitive as Noun Clauses

Infinitives can function as entire noun clauses, acting as the subject, object, or complement of a verb. This is particularly common after verbs of influence, perception, and communication.

Examples:

• Es importante estudiar cada día. (It is important to study every day.) – Subject
• Quiero aprender español. (I want to learn Spanish.) – Object
• Me gusta leer libros. (I like to read books.) – Object
• Es un placer conocerte. (It’s a pleasure to meet you.) – Complement
• Necesito terminar este trabajo. (I need to finish this work.) – Object

In these examples, the infinitive clause functions as a single noun unit within the sentence, fulfilling a grammatical role typically occupied by a noun.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about Spanish gerunds and infinitives.

When should I use the gerund instead of the infinitive?

Use the gerund to express continuous actions, describe the manner of an action, or indicate simultaneous actions. Use the infinitive as a noun, adjective, or adverb, after prepositions, and after certain verbs.

Are there any verbs that can only be followed by an infinitive or a gerund?

Yes, some verbs typically require either an infinitive or a gerund. For example, verbs like “querer” (to want) are followed by an infinitive, while verbs like “estar” (to be) followed by a gerund indicate continuous action.

How can I avoid common mistakes with gerunds and infinitives?

Pay attention to the specific rules for each form, practice with examples, and be mindful of the common errors listed in this guide. Focus on understanding the context and function of each verb form in the sentence.

What are some resources for further practice?

Consider using online grammar exercises, language learning apps, and textbooks that focus on Spanish grammar. Practice writing and speaking in Spanish, and seek feedback from native speakers.

Can the infinitive ever be used with an article (el, la, los, las)?

Yes, when the infinitive functions as a noun, it can be preceded by an article. For example: “El fumar es malo para la salud” (Smoking is bad for your health).

How do I handle stem-changing verbs in the gerund form?

Stem-changing verbs maintain their stem changes in the gerund form. For example, “dormir” (to sleep) becomes “durmiendo” (sleeping).

Conclusion

Mastering the distinction between Spanish gerunds and infinitives is a significant step toward achieving fluency and accuracy in Spanish. By understanding their definitions, structures, usage rules, and common pitfalls, you can confidently navigate these essential grammatical concepts. Consistent practice and attention to detail will further solidify your knowledge, enabling you to express yourself clearly and correctly in a wide range of contexts. Embrace the challenges and continue to explore the richness of the Spanish language!