Verbs + to-infinitive and Verbs + -ing 🔗

In English, when two verbs appear together, the second verb must take a specific form. Some verbs are followed by to + infinitive, and others are followed by a verb with -ing. You need to learn which group each verb belongs to. 🎯

1. Verbs Followed by -ing 📋

These verbs are mainly about feelings and preferences. After them, the next verb takes the -ing form:

Verb	Example
love	I love going to the cinema.
like	She likes reading before bed.
enjoy	We enjoy cooking at weekends.
don't mind	I don't mind waiting. It's fine.
don't like	He doesn't like getting up early.
hate	She hates doing homework.

2. Verbs Followed by to + Infinitive 📋

These verbs are mainly about plans, wants, and decisions. After them, the next verb takes to + base form:

Verb	Example
want	I want to visit Japan one day.
would like	She would like to speak to the manager.
hope	We hope to finish before dark.
plan	They plan to move to a new flat next year.
learn	I learned to drive when I was 18.
need	You need to sign this form.
forget	I forgot to buy milk. Sorry!
remember	Did you remember to lock the door?

3. like + -ing vs would like + to-infinitive 🔄

These two look similar but have different meanings and different grammar:

Form	Meaning	Example
like + -ing	I enjoy it in general	I like cooking. (I enjoy it as a hobby)
would like + to-inf	I want to do it now or soon	I would like to cook dinner for you. (I want to do it)

4. Key Rules to Remember ⚠️

✅ Correct	❌ Wrong
I enjoy swimming.	I enjoy to swim.
She wants to go home.	She wants going home.
I don't mind helping.	I don't mind to help.
He forgot to call her.	He forgot calling her. (different meaning at B1!)

Ready to practice? Let's go! 🚀