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-ing vs to + verb

LS (Los Angeles)

June 1

How do I know when to use the gerund (-ing) or the infinitive (to + verb)?

View our courses: English

Answers (2)

Reference Nwitte-Eze
English teacher

June 9

Knowing whether to use the -ing form or the infinitive (to + verb) depends mainly on the verb that comes before it. Some verbs are followed by the -ing form, such as “enjoy,” “avoid,” and “finish” (e.g., “I enjoy reading”). Other verbs are followed by the infinitive, such as “want,” “hope,” and “decide” (e.g., “I want to travel”). A few verbs can take both forms, sometimes with little or no change in meaning, such as “like” and “love” (e.g., “I like swimming” and “I like to swim”). Because there is no single rule that works for every verb, the best approach is to learn which pattern each verb follows through practice and exposure.

James Filerman
English teacher

July 1

Generally do not use the ing form with an inactive verb.........I see vs I am seeing

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