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Verbs + to + infinitive and verbs + -ing

Learn which verbs are followed by 'to' and which are followed by '-ing'.

LEARNING GOALS
  • check_circleI can use verbs like 'want' and 'hope' with to + infinitive
  • check_circleI can use verbs like 'enjoy' and 'finish' with the -ing form
  • check_circleI can use verbs like 'like' and 'love' with both forms
A112 min
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PART 01

Discover

Meet today's English in a real situation — no rules yet. Read it once and try to guess the pattern in the words in bold. Underlined words open a short definition.

Lily: What do you plan to do this weekend?

Mark: Well, I hope to finish painting my bedroom on Saturday. What about you?

Lily: I want to go to the new museum in the city center. I really enjoy learning about history.

Mark: That sounds great. I don’t mind visiting museums, but I prefer being outdoors.

Lily: Then you should come with us on Sunday! We decided to have a picnic in the park.

Mark: I’d love to come! I like eating outside.

Lily: Perfect. It starts getting warm around noon, so we’ll meet then.

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PART 02

Learn

Now the rules behind what you just saw — explained simply, with examples. Underlined words open a short definition — hover on desktop, tap on a phone.

When we use two verbs together in English, the second verb must change its form. It either takes a to + infinitive (like to go) or an -ing form (like going). The form depends on the first verb.

Verbs + to + infinitive

Some verbs are always followed by to + the base verb. These verbs often talk about plans, decisions, and desires for the future.

  • want: I want to buy a new car.
  • hope: She hopes to see you tomorrow.
  • plan: We plan to travel to Japan.
  • decide: They decided to stay at home.
  • need: You need to study for the test.
lightbulbTIP
It is incorrect to say I want go or I want going. Always use want to go.

Verbs + -ing

Other verbs are always followed by the -ing form (the gerund). These verbs often talk about activities or things we are doing right now.

  • enjoy: I enjoy reading books.
  • finish: He finished working at 5 PM.
  • mind: I don’t mind waiting for you.
  • suggest: She suggested going to the park.
warningWARNING
Do not use to after these verbs. For example, it is I enjoy to read. The correct form is I enjoy reading.

Verbs followed by either form

Some common verbs expressing preference can be followed by either to + infinitive OR the -ing form, with almost no difference in meaning.

  • like: I like to play tennis. / I like playing tennis.
  • love: She loves to cook. / She loves cooking.
  • hate: They hate to wake up early. / They hate waking up early.
  • start: It started to rain. / It started raining.
infoNOTE
When we use would like, would love, or would hate, we MUST use the to + infinitive. I would like to go home now. (NOT I would like going)

Quick reference

boltQUICK REVIEW
  • + to do: want, hope, plan, decide, need, would like
  • + doing: enjoy, finish, mind, suggest
  • + both: like, love, hate, start
quiz
PART 03

Practice

Try it yourself. You'll see right away whether you got it right, plus a short explanation of why.

0 / 5 correct
1. Which sentence is correct?
2. Choose the correct form: 'She enjoys _____ to music.'
3. I would like _____ a coffee, please.
4. They decided _____ a new car.
5. Which verb can be followed by both '-ing' and 'to + infinitive' without changing its meaning?
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PART 04

Use It

Now make the language yours in a real task. Use the prompt below — the editor keeps a simple word count, and nothing is saved or graded.

PROMPT
Write three things you enjoy doing and three things you want to do next weekend.
0 words
checklistCHECK YOURSELF

Before you finish — be honest. Can you do these now?