In a previous post, I explained when you can and can’t use for + gerund, and I noted a basic grammar rule:
HOWEVER, there is always an exception to the rule in English! Normally, ‘to’ goes with a verb (as part of the infinitive form), not a noun. If, however, the ‘to’ is a preposition that is part of a combination, then it is OK to use a gerund after to.
1) If the to is part of a phrasal verb or verb + preposition combination:
(Remember, not every verb + preposition combination is a phrasal verb! A phrasal verb is when the preposition changes the meaning of the verb.)
I look forward to meeting your parents tonight!He confessed to killing his next-door neighbour
She adjusted to living on her own.
He objects to spending so much money on a T.V.
Mother Theresa devoted her life to helping the poor.
2) If the to is part of an adjective + preposition combination:
A lot of women aren’t accustomed to being treated so well!I am addicted to watching soap operas on T.V.!
She is really committed to improving the education system.
I am opposed to increasing taxes.
Many of the nurses and doctors in the hospital are truly dedicated to making life better for the patients.
Mother Theresa was devoted to helping the poor throughout her life.
He’s not used to driving on the left-hand side of the road!
3) If the to is part of a noun + preposition combination:
His addiction to gambling has caused a lot of stress for his family.Her great dedication to teaching inspires her students.
Mother Theresa’s devotion to helping the poor brought her worldwide acclaim.
Her reaction to winning the Oscar was priceless!
NOTES:
*Remember, you can use to + gerund, but the to MUST be a preposition that is part of a combination. You CANNOT say:
X I want to going shopping.
X I like to listening to music.
*Also note that in the above combinations, you could NOT use to + verb. You CAN’T say:
X He objects to spend so much money on a T.V.
X I am opposed to increase taxes
*As you may know, gerunds can be use after prepositions. This does NOT mean that gerunds must always be used after prepositions. Verb / adjective / noun combinations could also be followed by any noun or noun phrase:
I’m looking forward to her party tonight!He confessed to the murder of his next-door neighbour.
I haven’t adjusted to the time change yet.
Now, I’m sure your next question is: how do I know what verb / noun / adjective combinations include to?
Unfortunately there is no easy answer. You can memorize lists, or you can do as much reading and listening as possible in English so that you get used to seeing and hearing these combinations! The purpose of the post was just to make you aware that there are certain, specific circumstances when you can use to + gerund.
Melanie is a TESL-certified English teacher. She lives near Toronto, Canada. Through her blog, videos, podcasts, and social media, she helps thousands of people around the world improve their English. She makes English a little less confusing and a little more fun! She also helps people understand Canadian and American culture. She believes that natural interaction with a native speaker helps people practice what they have learned and builds their confidence with English!
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Dear Melanie ,
Thank you so much. I don't have so much clear ideas about this before as i red it and having a very clear idea about gerund now!
Hi, Uzair,
I'm glad that this blog post was able to help you understand gerunds better!
Melanie
= )
You saved me *__*
… and you made me happy with your comment! I'm glad this helped you = )
Hello:
Really interesting, I knew there were some uses for to + V ing, but I didn't know about this specific information you posted. Thanks a lot, I'll share it with my students too. Regards from Mexico.
Hi, Otty!
I'm glad I could help! This is a little-known part of gerunds AND prepositions! Most students learn about phrasal verb, but don't spend a lot of time learning about these combinations.
I hope your students find this useful, too!
Melanie
= )
Dear Melanie,
I’m Brazilian, love to learn English language by myself and your tips are simply great. Although I already have a reasonable knowledge of the language, I still struggle with some details, for I have never taken English classes. So please forgive me if my question is stupid, but I don’t understand the use of the infinitive in VERY simples cases like this: “I just called to say hi”.
In this case, suppose the word “to” is not part of the infinitive but a preposition, right? So if “to” works as a preposition here, why isn’t the verb “say” on the gerund form??
I always think it would be logical this way: “I just called to saying hi”, where “to saying” is “to + to say”.
Could you please help me? Thank you very very much.
Or, asking in another way, why can’t we just say: “I just called IN ORDER TO say hi”??
Hi, Maria!
Your question is not stupid at all!
In this case we need to focus on the verb ‘call,’ not on the preposition ‘to.’
‘Call + to’ is NOT a verb+preposition combination. You can say “I called him.” or “She called me.” In those sentences, you cannot use ‘to.’ You can’t say “I called TO him.” So, the verb call doesn’t need the preposition ‘to.’
If you are going to use another verb after ‘call,’ then you need to use the infinitive form (to + verb) of the verb:
“I just called to say hi!”
“I just called to tell you I am at work.”
“I just called to let you know that I’m going to be late for dinner.”
“I just called to remind you to pick up the kids at school.”
It’s the rule! Some verbs are followed by a gerund, some verbs are followed by an infinitive, and some verbs can be followed by both. I have no idea why … that’s just the way it is!
I hope this makes sense!
Melanie
It’s simple. In the sentence “I called to say hi” to say is an adverbial modifier of purpose! It’s not an object of the verb “call”. So it just explains why you do something. It is interchangeable with “in order to do smth.”, “so as to do smth.”
I called to say hi
I called in order to say hi
I called so as to say hi
Hi, Vitalii!
You are correct, but Maria’s original question was why can’t a gerund be used in the sentence “I just called to say hi!” Gerunds can also be used as adverbial modifiers of purpose. In this case however, ‘call’ is not followed by a gerund, so the infinitive must be used.