Ing or to?

​ing or to?🧐

​After some verbs we use the -ing form, after others to + infinitive.

We use the -ing form after:

• verbs expressing emotions, e.g. enjoy, hate, like, love,

  (not) mind
  I hate wearing a suit and a tie.

• particular verbs and verb phrases: avoid, consider, can’t stand, prefer, spend time

  Laura prefers texting to sending emails.

Multiple Choice

I don’t mind ________ (get up) early.

• to get up

• getting up

Multiple Choice

Karen spends a lot of time ________ (chat) online.

• to chat

• chatting

Multiple Choice

I can't stand ______ (shop)! It's boring!

• shopping

• to shop

Multiple Choice

Does Angela enjoy ______ (work) as a volunteer?

• working

• to work

Multiple Choice

Ben prefers ______ (swim) to running.

• to swim

• swimming

After some verbs we use the -ing form, after others to + infinitive.

We use the to + infinitive after:

• most verbs expressing plans, decisions, intentions and willingness, e.g. hope, want, decide, choose

  Tim wants to study Law.

• verbs such as: agree, can’t afford, manage, need, pretend, refuse

  Why do you refuse to lend me your shoes?

• verbs expressing preferences: would like, would love, would prefer

  I like going out with my friends, but today I would like to stay at home.

Multiple Choice

I refuse ______ (wear) this skirt – it is too short!

• to wear

• wearing

Multiple Choice

I always agree _____ (help) my brother at home.

• helping

• to help

Multiple Choice

They hope _____ (meet) Cardi B after the concert.

• to meet

• meeting

Multiple Choice

Peter wants ____ (be) like Ryan Gosling.

• being

• to be

Multiple Choice

Sue has decided _____ (lend) me her new dress.

• to lend

• lending