Verbs followed by ‘ing’ or by ‘to + infinitive’

Read the grammar explanation and do the exercise.
When one verb is followed by another, the second verb can either be an
infinitive or an –ing (gerund) form. Some verbs can be followed by only an infinitive, others by only an–ing form and some by both but with a change in meaning. To know which structure to use, you can consult a good dictionary but here are some common examples.

Verb + infinitive
  • I want to speak to the manager.
  • She’s learning to ride a horse.
  • He offered to help us wash up.
  • They decided to go camping together. 
  • I promised to study this summer holidays. 

Other verbs in this group include: afford, agree, ask, choose, decide, expect, hope, prepare, promise, pretend, refuse, would like.
Verb + ‘ing’ form
  • I enjoy travelling.
  • He admitted stealing the necklace.
  • I don’t mind waiting if you’re busy.
‘enjoy’ ‘admit’ and ‘mind’ are followed by the ‘ing’ form

Other verbs in this group include: avoid, consider, dislike, feel like, finish, give up, can’t help, practise, suggest.

Verb + infinitive or ‘ing’ form with no change in meaning

A few verbs can be followed by either an infinitive or the ‘ing’ form and the meaning does not change.
  • I started to work here in 1994.
  • I started working here in 1994.
The meaning of these two sentences is the same.

There aren’t many verbs that can take an infinitive or an ‘ing’ form with no change in meaning. ‘Begin’ and ‘continue’ are two more examples.


NOW, VERBS THAT CHANGE MEANING: 

    Verbs followed by a gerund (ING) or infinitive with a change in meaning:

FORGETI forgot to meet him.
(I didn’t meet him because I forgot to do it.)
I forgot meeting him.
(I don’t have the memory of meeting him before.)
GO ONHe went on to learn English and French.
(He ended one period of time before this.)
He went on learning English and French.
(He continued learning the languages.)
QUITShe quit to work here.
(She quit another job in order to work here.)
She quit working here.
(She quit her job here. She doesn’t work here anymore.)
REGRETI regret promising to help you.
(I’m sorry that I made the promise.)
I regret to tell you that we can't hire you.
(I’m telling you now, and I’m sorry.)
REMEMBERShe remembered to visit her grandmother.
(She didn’t forget to visit.)
She remembered visiting her grandmother.
(She had memories of this time.)
STOPI stopped to call you.
(I interrupted another action in order to call you.)
I stopped calling you.
(I stopped this activity. Maybe we had a fight.)
TRYI tried to open the window.
(I attempted this action but didn’t succeed.)
I tried opening the window.
(This was one option I sampled. Maybe the room was hot.)

Once you've finished reading all the explanation above follow this link in order to get some practice. Remember to print your results and include them in your portfolios. Have them ready for correction in class! 


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