Verb + -ing / Infinitive: like, want, would like
Learn which English verbs, such as like, want, and would like, take -ing or a to-infinitive afterward to talk about habits and preferences, at A2 level.
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.
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.
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.
- She doesn’t enjoy driving at night.
- Did you finish reading it?
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).
Some common preference verbs can take either pattern. Love and hate can be followed by -ing or to + infinitive, often with little difference in meaning: “I love swimming” / “I love to swim.” Like is explained in Section 5.
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.
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.
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. (He gave up cigarettes.)
stop + to + verb → stop what you are doing, then do a new action
- During his walk, he stopped to smoke. (He paused walking so that he could smoke.)
-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.
Quick check
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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 reading in bed. (general enjoyment)
- I like to read before I sleep. (habit or routine)
Both patterns are used in British and American English. British English often favours like + -ing when the focus is enjoyment, while American English may use like + to-infinitive more often for a general preference. This is a tendency, not a fixed rule: speakers in both varieties use both forms, and context matters more than nationality.
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.
Learn the whole pattern after each verb:
- ✗ I enjoy to cook. → ✓ I enjoy cooking.
- ✗ I would like reading. → ✓ I would like to read.
- ✗ I finished to read the book. → ✓ I finished reading the book.
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.”
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?”
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.”
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.”
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?
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Last updated October 14, 2026