Verbal Infinitives

Verb+ -ing or verb + infinitive

by Keira Meza

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After certain verbs we use the -ing form, and after other verbs we use the infinitive. Sometimes we can use either form and there is no change in meaning. Occasionally we can use either form and there is a change in meaning.

There isn’t a rule!

The verbs followed by  -ing include enjoy, mind, stop and recommend.

I told him you really enjoy cooking.

Would you mind helping me?

The negative is verb + not + -ing.

Imagine not having pizza! I eat it all the time.

Verbs usually followed by -ing

stop    finish    imagine    suggest    recommend     avoid     mind     miss     risk   enjoy 

Verbs following the infinitive

These include decide, want, promise, plan and forget.

She decided to go with Elliot instead.

I wanted to visit Rome.

She didn’t forget to phone.

The negative is verb + not + infinitive.

They decided not to make pizza.

Here are more verbs that are usually followed by the infinitive:

hope  offer  fail  agree  forget  manage  learn  afford  arrange  ask  expect  would like  decide  plan  promise  want  invite

Verbs that can be followed by either form:

 start, begin, continue and bother.

It started raining. or It started to rain.

Don’t bother waiting for me.  or Don’t bother to wait for me.

The verbs like, love and hate can be followed by -ing or the infinitive when talking about repeated actions.

I love reading long novels.   (British English or American English) 

I love to read long novels.    (American English)

But when we are talking about situations, we use the -ing form.

Paulo loves living by the beach in Rio.

Do you like working as a waitress?

Multiple Choice

I'm really looking forward ________ at the weekend.

• to seeing you

• to see you

Multiple Choice

I promise not ________.

• to tell anyone

• tellling anyone

Multiple Choice

I must remember ________ on his birthday.

• to call dad

• calling dad

Multiple Choice

The thing I most enjoy ________ at the weekend is sleeping.

• to do

• doing

Multiple Choice

Do you remember ________ when you were two?

• to come here

• coming here

Multiple Choice

You can't pretend ________ – you only look twelve!

• to be eighteen

• being eighteen

Multiple Choice

What do you want ________ for her birthday?

• to give mom

• giving mom

Multiple Choice

I need to stop ________ late at night – I keep making terrible mistakes!

• doing my homework

• to do my homework