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

In this lesson, you will learn about 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.

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, practice, avoid, mind

Structure

• Subject + main verb + verb-ing

Examples

• She avoids talking to strangers.
• I finished reading the book yesterday.
• They practice speaking English every day.
• Do you mind waiting a few minutes?
• 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.

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 + to-infinitive

Want is followed by to + base verb.

• want + to + base verb
  • I want to read.

Would like

Would like is the polite form of want and is often followed by to + verb (I’d like to...) or a noun (I’d like tea).

• would like + noun
  • I’d like tea, please.
• would like + to + verb
  • I’d like to join you.

Examples

• I want tea.
• I’d like tea, please.
• I’d like to join 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.