Verb + -ing and Verb + to + infinitve
Beginner (A1)en
Verb + ing after like / love / hate / enjoy and Verb + to + infinitive
Verb + -ing and Verb + to + infinitive (Likes & Preferences)
In this lesson you will learn how to talk about likes, dislikes, and preferences using:
- verb + -ing
- verb + to + infinitive
1. What Does “Verb Pattern” Mean?
Some verbs are followed by:
- verb + -ing (dancing)
- verb + to + infinitive (to dance)
2. Verb + -ing (Likes and Dislikes)
We use verb + -ing after verbs that show feelings or opinions about activities.
Use verb + -ing with these words:
We use verb + -ing after verbs that show feelings or opinions about activities.
Use verb + -ing with these words:
- like
- love
- hate
- enjoy
- don't mind
- don't like
Structure
Subject + like/love/hate/enjoy/don't mind/don't like + verb-ing
Examples
Positive Examples
Subject + like/love/hate/enjoy/don't mind/don't like + verb-ing
Examples
Positive Examples
- I like reading.
- She loves dancing.
- He hates waking up early.
- They enjoy watching TV.
Negative Examples
- I don’t mind waiting.
- She doesn’t mind working late.
- I don’t like cooking.
- He doesn’t like studying at night.
Remember:
x I like to swimming.
✓ I like swimming.
3. Verb + to + infinitive (Wants & Plans)
We use verb + to + infinitive to talk about:
x I like to swimming.
✓ I like swimming.
3. Verb + to + infinitive (Wants & Plans)
We use verb + to + infinitive to talk about:
- wants
- plans
- decisions
We use verb + to + infinitive with these words:
- want
- need
- decide
- hope
- try
Structure
Subject + verb + to + base verb
Examples
Positive examples
Subject + verb + to + base verb
Examples
Positive examples
- I want to learn English.
- She needs to study.
- He hopes to travel.
- They decide to eat at home.
Negative Examples
- I don't want to learn English.
- She doesn't need to study.
Remember:
x I want going home.
✓ I want to go home.
4. Important Comparison
Some verbs use -ing, some use to.
x I want going home.
✓ I want to go home.
4. Important Comparison
Some verbs use -ing, some use to.
- like + -ing → I like reading.
- want + to → I want to read.
→ Do not mix them.
5. Easy Memory Help
5. Easy Memory Help
- Feelings about activities → verb + -ing
- Wants or plans → verb + to
6. “Would like”
We use would like to talk about:
- wants and preferences
in a polite way
It is more polite than want.
Structure
would like + to + base verb
Examples
Structure
would like + to + base verb
Examples
- I would like to drink some water.
- She would like to learn English.
- We would like to sit here.
Important Rule
After would like, we always use to + verb,
NOT verb + -ing.
x I would like drinking water.
✓ I would like to drink water.
Why?
“Would like” talks about a wish or request, not a general feeling.
That is why it behaves like want, not like like.
Compare:
After would like, we always use to + verb,
NOT verb + -ing.
x I would like drinking water.
✓ I would like to drink water.
Why?
“Would like” talks about a wish or request, not a general feeling.
That is why it behaves like want, not like like.
Compare:
- I like drinking coffee. (general feeling)
- I would like to drink coffee. (now / polite request)
Related Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with words related to this grammar topic