Instructions
After certain verbs we use the -ing form, and after other verbs we use the infinitive. Sometimes we can use either form and there is no change in meaning. Occasionally we can use either form and there is a change in meaning.
So what’s the rule for whether we use the -ing form or the infinitive?
Sorry, there isn’t a rule. You have to learn which verbs go with which pattern.
The verbs followed by -ing include enjoy, mind, stop and recommend.
I told him you really enjoy cooking.
Would you mind helping me?
It didn't stop raining all day yesterday.
Daisy recommends trying Alfie’s tiramisu.
The negative is verb + not + -ing.
Imagine not having pizza! I eat it all the time.
Verbs usually followed by -ing
stop finish imagine suggest recommend avoid mind miss risk enjoy
I thought you could say: 'I recommend that you see that film'?
Yes, you’re right, you can. But we’re not looking at the more complex patterns with that or an object today.
OK, what about the verbs followed by the infinitive?
These include decide, want, promise, plan and forget.
She decided to go with Elliot instead.
I wanted to visit Rome.
She promised to take me there.
I planned to go to some real Italian restaurants.
She didn’t forget to phone.
The negative is verb + not + infinitive.
They decided not to make pizza.
Here are more verbs that are usually followed by the infinitive:
hope offer fail agree forget manage learn afford arrange ask expect would like decide plan promise want invite
What about the verbs that can be followed by either form?
These include start, begin, continue and bother.
It started raining. or It started to rain.
Don’t bother waiting for me. or Don’t bother to wait for me.
The verbs like, love and hate can be followed by -ing or the infinitive when talking about repeated actions.
I love reading long novels. (British English or American English)
I love to read long novels. (American English)
But when we are talking about situations, we use the -ing form.
Paulo loves living by the beach in Rio.
Do you like working as a waitress?
So, 'I love learning grammar rules' or 'I love to learn grammar rules' are both OK?
Exactly. But there are some more verbs which can be followed by -ing or the infinitive, but the two options have different meanings, for example remember and stop.
I never remember to lock the door, and my mum gets really angry!
(remember + infinitive = remember something and then do it)
I never remember locking the door, but when I go back and check I always have.
(remember + -ing = remember something you did before)
She stopped smoking three years ago.
(stop + -ing = to not do something any more)
It was hot, so we stopped to have a drink. (we stopped walking)
(stop + infinitive = to not do something in order to do something else)
Let’s stop to have a rest now.
OK, later on you can try to remember all the patterns.
Worksheets and downloads
Transcript
Discussion
Think about your week. What do you enjoy doing? What do you not mind doing? And what do you avoid doing if possible?
Comments
I enjoy studying english, I love learning new things.
everyday if it is possible I wake up ay 7 o'clock , I do chores, I help my sister to do her homeworks,
I like running at 8 pm. that's it.
during the week i don't go out because i have to study i only speak with my friends on the phone.At the weekend i prefer to go out to drink a lemonade or even to read
Hi:) I like listening English musics but ı cant understand. My listining skill is so bad how can ı improve it ?
I enjoy listening to music. I also enjoy playing video games and studying English on this site.
I don't mind tidying my bedroom. I avoid studying chemistry . :D
Your comment is awaiting moderation. boring?????
Hi directionerID,
Sorry you got bored when you were waiting for your comment to be moderated! ;) We moderate and check ALL the comments on the website before they are published. This is to keep LearnEnglish Teens safe. We usually moderate your comments within a few hours but when we're really busy it can take a bit longer! Please be patient. We're doing our best.
Jo (LearnEnglish Teens Team)
hey peoples!! I put a heart to everybody.So the first:)))).......Turkey........
hello everyone i enjoy listening music and dancing... i like to surf in the net and to speak with my friends.....
Hi all !! i enjoy dancing and reading my favorite novel ! . I like to watch movies or series . I also enjoy painting my nails ! . I enjoy learning English !! and i wish i could speak like a British accent :) .
very bad photo JB sucks
Hi, taimooralvi!
I'm English learner, just as you, but I think I have experience with learning English and languages in general, so let me give you some advises. I hope they'll be useful. I don't know what's your level at English, but anyway, try first with basic grammar-tenses, articles, prepositions etc. When you have learned it, start with improving your conversation skills. You can start reading some short versions of books in English. I recommend you Charles Dickens, he writes very interesting books, and L.C.Montgomery wrote many good books. Do listening tests, and try to speak English as much as possible, at school, in English class, for example. Watch English and American films, listen to their music, and you'll see, your English will become very fluent and accurate. If you want, I can be your site friend and we could write to each other here for practice. Let me know if you agree:)
Greetings:)
Of course ,,, lots thanks :)
can anybody help me to learn some English ? please i need some assistance
i have learned the idea of going at english cours every weekend!
May you help me?
i enjoy spending time with my friends.i love them.
I also love reading different books from all categories.
i don`t mind doing the chores. i think it`s boring and a waste of time.
Hi, i m a new here,i dont know nothing about here:( what should i do?
Hi 1oo1oo,
Welcome to LearnEnglish Teens! Is there anything in particular you would like to practise and improve? What do you like doing and what are your interests? If you give us a bit more information, we can point you in the right direction. Have fun exploring the site!
Best wishes,
Joanna (LearnEnglish Teens team)
Thanks:),,,, i just make simple sentences exactly like kids:(
Can i send my test then you correct that?
i' m very happy since i find this site:)
hi
Hi 1oo1oo,
We don't correct tests or comments on our site. Please don't ask other users to correct your comments either. The important thing is to communicate with others and if you make a few mistakes it doesn't matter.
Best wishes, Jo (LearnEnglish Teens Team)
Thanks:),,,,,by the way why i cant log in without my email?
whatever i enter my password, site says your password is wrong. What should i do?
Hi 1oo1oo,
If you have problems logging in, please use the Contact Us link at the bottom of the page and send us an email with the details.
Best wishes, Jo (LearnEnglish Teens Team)
Hi sailor moon! I'm not sure I understand ... do you mean you don't like doing chores? Don't mind means it's not your favourite activity but you think it's ok. For example, I don't mind doing the washing-up because I'm quite fast at doing it. I wouldn't say that I like it, though!
Jonathan (LearnEnglish Teens Team)
Hello Jonathan! thank you so much for your explain.
you`re right. i mean i don`t like to do chores.
thank you so much again.
I enjoy being with my friends and have fun. I also enjoy listening to music and dancing. I avoid squabbling with anyone. :)
So, I enjoy visiting my friends, going abroad (on holidays), writing stories, listening to music, watching films - I love ' Alice in Wonderland ' by Tim Burton! - playing volleyball, going shopping, surfing on the Internet, swimming, dancing, singing, learning English and German...
I avoid watching horrors (Brrrr!) and leaning math ;)
I enjoy talk my friend BECAUSE I like my friends...
:)
............................Good Bye......................................
Hi Angelica! Me too. Just remember to use -ing after enjoy: I enjoy talking with my friends... What else do you enjoy? Did you enjoy this video?
Jonathan (LearnEnglish Teens Team)
HI Jonathan!!
yes ı enjoy this video and I enjoy playing games ,doing sports,watching tv..
And you?
Angelica:))
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