Verbs followed by -ing
These verbs must be followed by the -ing form (gerund), not the infinitive.
| Verb | Example |
|---|---|
| like, love, enjoy, hate, don't mind | I love swimming. · She enjoys cooking. · He hates waiting. |
| finish, stop, keep, give up, practise | We finished eating. · She stopped smoking. · Keep trying! |
| mind (in questions/negatives) | Do you mind helping me? · I don't mind waiting. |
| suggest, recommend | I suggest visiting the museum. · She recommended trying the pasta. |
After prepositions → always -ing:
Any verb after a preposition takes -ing: "She's good at cooking." "I'm interested in learning." "Thank you for helping." "Before going out…"
Verbs followed by to-infinitive
These verbs must be followed by to + infinitive.
| Verb | Example |
|---|---|
| want, need, would like, wish | I want to leave. · She needs to rest. · I'd like to come. |
| decide, plan, choose, hope, expect | They decided to stay. · We plan to travel. · I hope to see you soon. |
| try, manage, fail, refuse | She tried to open it. · He managed to find a seat. · They refused to go. |
| learn, teach, know how | I'm learning to drive. · She knows how to swim. |
Verbs followed by both (same meaning at A2)
Some verbs can be followed by either form with little or no difference in meaning at A2 level.
I like swimming / I like to swim. (both correct — same meaning)
She loves dancing / She loves to dance. (both correct)
He hates getting up early / He hates to get up early. (both correct)
She loves dancing / She loves to dance. (both correct)
He hates getting up early / He hates to get up early. (both correct)
Note for later (B2):
Some verbs change meaning depending on the form: "remember doing" (past memory) vs "remember to do" (future task); "stop doing" (cease the habit) vs "stop to do" (pause in order to do). You'll study these at B2.
Exercises
Choose the correct form.
1. She's always enjoyed ___ in the garden on sunny days.
2. We decided ___ the early train to avoid the crowds.
3. Would you mind ___ the window? It's really hot in here.
4. I need ___ the dentist — I have a terrible toothache.
5. He suggested ___ a taxi instead of walking in the rain.