Verbs followed by -ing or infinitive: Rules + examples

Do you know when to use -ing and when to use to + infinitive after a verb? Enhance your knowledge with the lesson given below and the grammar explanation to guide you better.

Check out these examples to see how the verb forms are used:

• I love reading novels.

• I plan to read a new book next week.

Grammar explanation - Verbs followed by '-ing' or infinitive

A verb can be followed by another verb. The second verb usually takes either the -ing form or the to + infinitive form, depending on the first verb.

Verbs followed by the -ing form When verbs like enjoy, admit, and mind are followed by another verb, the second verb must be in the -ing form.

• I enjoy cooking.

• She admitted forgetting her appointment.

• I don't mind helping with the project.

Other verbs in this group include avoid, can't stand, consider, dislike, finish, keep, mention, practise, and suggest.

Like and love can be followed by either the -ing form or the to + infinitive form, and both are correct.

Verbs followed by to + infinitive form When verbs like want, learn, and offer are followed by another verb, the second verb must be in the to + infinitive form.

• I want to visit Paris.

• She's learning to drive.

• He offered to take us to the airport.

Other verbs in this group include agree, ask, choose, decide, expect, hope, plan, promise, refuse, and would prefer.

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