English isn't my mother tongue. I'm familiar with the notions of infinitive and gerund but I sometimes just don't know which of the two should be used in combination with which verb.
Thomson and Martinet [1986] provide some verbs that may take either infinitive or gerund without changing the meaning (advise, allow, …).
I am looking for a list of verbs and the allowed construction (gerund/infinitive/both). Ideally this should be a text-based list so I can search it on my computer without having to use the internet.
[Thomson and Martinet, 1986] A. J. Thomson and A. V. Martinet, A Practical English Grammar, Oxford University Press, isbn: 0-19-431342-5, 1986.
Best Answer
The question When should a verb be followed by a gerund instead of an infinitive? on English Language and Usage is what you need. The first answer contains lists, which I'll reproduce here
Verbs Followed by an Object Before the Infinitive Verb
*Some words can be used without an object as well as with an object.
Verbs Followed by Either Gerund or Infinitive
Sometimes the meaning changes according to the verb used.
Verbs Followed Only by the Simple Form (no “-ing” or “to”)
Four verbs are called causative verbs. They are followed by an object; the verb after the object is always in the simple form:
Verbs Followed by Either the Simple Form or the Gerund (no “to”)
Some verbs are called verbs of perception and are followed by either the simple form or the “-ing” form.
Others including: look at, observe, listen to, feel, smell.