Verb + -ing / Infinitive: like, want, would like

In this lesson, you will learn how to use verbs followed by -ing or to + infinitive. You will use these forms to talk about habits, plans, and preferences.

1. Quick reminder: common patterns

Some verbs are followed by another verb. There are two main patterns:

• Verb + -ing → focuses on the activity
  She enjoys swimming.
• Verb + to + infinitive → talks about plans, intentions, or decisions
  I want to read.

These are useful general meanings, but the first verb determines which pattern is possible.

2. Verbs + -ing

Some verbs are usually followed by an -ing form. You need to learn this pattern with each verb.

Common verbs:

• enjoy
• finish
• practise (British English) / practice (American English)
• avoid
• mind

Structure

• Subject + main verb + verb-ing

Examples

• She avoids talking to strangers.
• I finished reading the book yesterday.
• They practise speaking English every day. (American English: practice.)
• Do you mind waiting a few minutes?
• I don’t mind waiting.
• Do you enjoy reading?
• He enjoys playing football on weekends.

Tip: After these verbs, the next verb is in the -ing form. It names the activity: I enjoy swimming. The time comes from the main verb or context (e.g., finished = past).

3. Verbs + to-infinitive

Some verbs are usually followed by to + infinitive, often showing plans, intentions, decisions, or promises.

Common verbs:

• want
• need
• decide
• hope
• plan
• promise

Structure

• Subject + main verb + to + base verb

Examples

• He promised to help me.
• We plan to clean the house on Saturday.
• She decided to answer the question.
• I hope to finish my homework soon.
• They want to start a new hobby.
• I need to call my friend.

Tip: These verbs are often followed by to + infinitive. They can express wishes, plans, decisions, needs, or promises: I want to leave, She decided to answer, I need to call my friend.

4. Important difference: “stop” changes meaning

Some verbs can take both forms, but the meaning changes.

stop + -ing → quit (you stop the activity)

• He stopped smoking.

stop + to + verb → stop what you are doing, then do a new action

• He was walking home. He stopped to talk to a friend.

Tip: -ing talks about the activity you stop; to + infinitive shows the next action you do after stopping.

Other verbs, including remember, try, and regret, can also change meaning with -ing and to + infinitive. Those contrasts are more advanced; at A2, focus on the two meanings of stop.

5. Like: -ing vs to-infinitive

Like can be followed by -ing or to + verb.

• like + -ing: often talks about general enjoyment: I like reading.
• like + to + verb: also possible, especially when talking about a usual choice or activity: I like to read before bed.

In many cases, both forms are correct and the meaning is very similar.

Examples

• I like tea. (preference)
• I like reading in bed. (general enjoyment)
• I like to read before I sleep. (habit or routine)

6. Want and would like: to-infinitive / noun

Want is neutral and direct. Would like is more polite or less direct, especially in requests, offers, and invitations. Both can be followed by a noun or to + base verb.

6.1 Statements and negatives with “want”

• want + noun: “I want some tea.”
• want + to + base verb: “I want to read.”
• do/does not want + noun/to + verb: “I don’t want to leave.” / “She doesn’t want coffee.”

6.2 Questions with “want”

Use do/does to make questions:

• “Do you want some tea?”
• “Do you want to come with us?”
• “Does she want to join the class?”

6.3 Statements and negatives with “would like”

• would like + noun: “I’d like some tea, please.”
• would like + to + base verb: “I’d like to join you.”
• would not/wouldn’t like + noun/to + verb: “I wouldn’t like to drive in that weather.”

6.4 Questions and offers with “would like”

Put would before the subject:

• “Would you like some tea?” (offer)
• “Would you like to join us?” (invitation)
• “What would you like to order?”

For an offer, natural short replies are “Yes, please” and “No, thank you.”

7. Summary: How to Choose

• -ing → feelings, habits, enjoyment, general actions
  • I enjoy reading.
• to + infinitive → wishes, plans, intentions, decisions
  • I want to learn English.
• would like + to → polite requests/offers
  • I’d like to join you.
• would like + noun → polite way to ask for or say you want something
  • I’d like tea.
• Use do/does in questions with want, but move would before the subject with would like
  • Do you want to come? / Would you like to come?