Sometimes we need to decide whether to use a verb in its “ing” form or its infinitive form (with a “to”).
When to use -ing
The -ing form is used when the word is the subject of a sentence or clause:
• Swimming is good exercise.
• Doctors say that smoking is bad for you.
The -ing form is used after a preposition:
• I look forward to meeting you.
• They left without saying "Goodbye."
The -ing form is used after certain verbs:
- avoid, dislike, enjoy, finish, give up, mind/not mind, practice
• I dislike getting up early.
• Would you mind opening the window?
When to use the infinitive
The infinitive form is always used after adjectives, for example:
- disappointed, glad, happy, pleased, relieved, sad, surprised
• I was happy to help them.
• She will be delighted to see you.
This includes too + adjective:
• The water was too cold to swim in.
• Is your coffee too hot to drink?
The infinitive form is used after adjective + enough:
• He was strong enough to lift it.
• She is rich enough to buy two.
The infinitive form is used after certain verbs:
- forget, help, learn, teach, train
- choose, expect, hope, need, offer, want, would like
- agree, encourage, pretend, promise, recommend
- allow, can/can't afford, decide, manage, mean, refuse
• I forgot to close the window.
• Mary needs to leave early.
• Why are they encouraged to learn English?
• We can't afford to take a long holiday.
Some verbs can be followed by the -ing form or the infinitive without a big change in meaning: begin, continue, hate, intend, like, love, prefer, propose, start.
• It started to rain.
• It started raining.
• I like to play tennis.
• I like playing tennis.
Now, let’s try a few:
1. We like (to visit, visiting) our grandmother on Sundays.
2. I might want (to borrow, borrowing) your cookbook.
3. My husband hates (to wear, wearing) a tie.
4. We can’t afford (to take, taking) a vacation this year.
5. My grandmother was happy (to receive, receiving) your letter.
6. Would you mind (to open, opening) a window?
