When learning English, understanding the difference between gerunds and infinitives is important for grammar. But what many learners overlook is how these forms sound in natural speech. The -ING ending, the word "to," and the stress patterns in these phrases all follow specific pronunciation rules that native speakers use automatically.
The -ING Ending: How to Pronounce It Correctly
The gerund ending -ING is pronounced /ɪŋ/ in standard American English. This is a velar nasal sound, meaning your tongue touches the back of the roof of your mouth. It is not /ɪn/ or /ɪŋɡ/. In casual speech, many native speakers reduce -ING to /ɪn/ (often written as "swimmin'" or "runnin'"), but in careful speech, the standard pronunciation is /ɪŋ/.
Here are some common gerund words to practice:
Pronouncing "TO" in Infinitives: Strong vs Weak Forms
The word "to" in infinitive constructions has two pronunciations. The strong form is /tuː/, used when "to" is emphasized or at the end of a sentence. The weak form is /tə/, which is far more common in everyday speech. Compare these examples:
- Strong form: "What do you WANT to do?" "I want TO." /aɪ wɑːnt tuː/
- Weak form: "I want to go." /aɪ wɑːnt tə ɡoʊ/
In natural connected speech, the weak form /tə/ is used about 90% of the time. Using the strong form /tuː/ in every sentence will make your speech sound unnatural and overly careful.
Practice Infinitive Phrases
Stress Patterns in Gerund Phrases
When a gerund is the subject of a sentence, the stress falls on the first syllable of the gerund word. When a gerund is the object, the main verb usually gets the primary stress, and the gerund receives secondary stress.
- Subject position: "SWIM-ming is fun." (stress on SWIM)
- Object position: "I like SWIM-ming." (stress on SWIM, but the whole phrase has more even stress)
More Gerund Words to Practice
Gerund vs Infinitive: When Pronunciation Changes Meaning
Some verbs can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive, but the meaning changes. The pronunciation helps signal which meaning is intended.
| Phrase | IPA | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| stop talking | /stɑːp ˈtɔːkɪŋ/ | cease the activity of talking |
| stop to talk | /stɑːp tə tɔːk/ | pause in order to talk |
| remember calling | /rɪˈmembər ˈkɔːlɪŋ/ | recall a past action |
| remember to call | /rɪˈmembər tə kɔːl/ | do not forget a future action |
Notice how in the infinitive phrases, "to" is pronounced with the weak form /tə/. This creates a rhythmic difference between the two constructions. The gerund version has two stressed content words in a row, while the infinitive version has an unstressed "to" between them.
Tips for Natural Pronunciation
- Practice the /ɪŋ/ sound: Place the back of your tongue against the soft palate. The tip of your tongue should be down, not touching the roof of your mouth.
- Use weak "to": In infinitive phrases, almost always use /tə/ instead of /tuː/. Reserve the strong form for emphasis.
- Connect words: In phrases like "want to go," the "t" in "want" and the "t" in "to" blend together: /wɑːntə ɡoʊ/.
- Listen and repeat: Pay attention to how native speakers handle these forms in podcasts, movies, and conversations.
Mastering the pronunciation of gerunds and infinitives will make your English sound significantly more natural. Focus on the weak form of "to" and the correct /ɪŋ/ ending, and practice connecting these forms in complete sentences.