In English, there are sometimes two verb forms one after another. When this happens, the second one can be a gerund or an infinitive. For example:

He enjoys travelling.

He hopes to travel a lot.

The verb in the first example is followed by a gerund (travelling). However, the verb in the second example is followed by an infinitive (to travel).

Using gerunds and infinitives depends on the verb that goes before them. Some verbs go with only the infinitive or only the gerund, and others can go with either one.

When we want to make negative sentences, we just need to add “not” between the two verb forms:

My grandparents have retired and enjoy not working.

I am trying not to fall.

Notice that it is not correct having two gerunds together:

I am trying working.

I am trying to work.

The following is a list of verbs that can be followed by both a gerund and an infinitive: