Knowing whether to use an infinitive (to read) or a gerund (reading) in a sentence may be a challenge.

infinitive

My adviser urged me to apply to several colleges.

gerund

Applying took a great deal of time.

In general, infinitives tend to represent intentions, desires, or expectations, while gerunds tend to represent facts. The infinitive in the first sentence conveys the message that the act of applying was desired but not yet accomplished, while the gerund in the second sentence calls attention to the fact that the application process was actually carried out.

The association of intention with infinitives and facts with gerunds can often help you decide whether to use an infinitive or a gerund when another verb immediately precedes it.

infinitives

Kumar expected to get a good job after graduation.

Last year, Fatima decided to become a math major.

The strikers have agreed to go back to work.

gerunds

Jerzy enjoys going to the theater.

We resumed working after our coffee break.

Kim appreciated getting candy from Sean.

A few verbs can be followed by either an infinitive or a gerund. With some, such as begin and continue, the choice makes little difference in meaning. With others, however, the difference in meaning is striking.

Carlos was working as a medical technician, but he stopped to study English.

The infinitive indicates that Carlos left his job because he intended to study English.

Carlos stopped studying English when he left the United States.

The gerund indicates that Carlos actually studied English but then stopped.

The distinction between fact and intention is a tendency, not a rule, and other rules may override it. Always use a gerund—not an infinitive—directly following a preposition.

You can also remove the preposition and keep the infinitive.