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

Elementary (A2)en

Verb + to infinitive (want to, need to, decide to)Like / want / would likeVerb + ing (enjoy, avoid…)

Verb + -ing / Verb + to infinitive

In this lesson, you will expand your knowledge of verbs followed by -ing or to + infinitive, focusing on differences in meaning, habits, intentions, and preferences. You will also learn about verbs that take the bare infinitive (without “to”).

1. Review – Basic Rules

Verb + -ing → general enjoyment, feelings, habits
I like reading.
She enjoys swimming.
Verb + to + infinitive → wishes, intentions, plans
I want to read.
They hope to travel next year.
Would like + to → polite wishes or requests
I would like to drink water.
He would like to join us.

2. New Verbs + -ing

Some verbs are usually followed by -ing and are used for feelings, experiences, habits, or general actions.

Common verbs:
avoid, finish, imagine, practice, suggest, mind, admit, enjoy, dislike

Structure:

Subject + verb + verb-ing

Examples:

“She avoids talking to strangers.”
“I finished reading the book yesterday.”
“They suggested going to the museum.”
“Do you mind waiting a few minutes?”
”He enjoys playing football on weekends.”
”I dislike waking up early.”

Tip: These verbs usually talk about general actions, habits, or experiences, not future plans.

3. New Verbs + to-infinitive

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

Common verbs:
agree, refuse, promise, hope, plan, learn, manage, intend, decide, need, want

Structure:

Subject + verb + to + base verb

Examples:

“He promised to help me.”
“We plan to visit Italy next year.”
“She refused to answer the question.”
“I hope to finish my homework soon.”
”They intend to start a new project.”
”I decided to take the bus instead of walking.”

Tip: These verbs usually talk about specific actions in the future, not habits.

4. Verbs That Can Take Both -ing and to-infinitive (Change in Meaning)
Some verbs can be followed by either -ing or to-infinitive, but the meaning changes.

Common verbs:

remember, forget, stop, try

Examples:

Stop:
“He stopped smoking.” → He quit smoking (action ended).
“He stopped to smoke.” → He stopped another activity in order to smoke.

Tip: These are tricky but very useful to sound more natural.

5. Verbs with Bare Infinitive (without “to”)

Some verbs and modals are followed by the bare infinitive (base verb without “to”).

Modals: can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would

Structure:
Subject + modal/verb + base verb

Examples:

“You must finish your homework.“ (modal + bare infinitive)
“She can swim very fast.“ (modal + bare infinitive)
“He may arrive late.“ (modal + bare infinitive)

6. Quick Guide – Choosing -ing or to-infinitive

-ing → feelings, habits, enjoyment, general actions
I enjoy reading.
to + infinitive → wishes, plans, intentions, polite requests
I want to learn English.
Would like + to → polite, specific wishes
I would like to join you.
Bare infinitive → after modals
She can play the piano.
He must study harder.

7. Easy Way to Remember

-ing → general habits, enjoyment, experiences
to + infinitive → plans, wishes, polite requests
Would like + to → polite, specific wishes
Bare infinitive → modals (can, must, should, etc.)

Related Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with words related to this grammar topic