Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Infinitive (to+verb), Gerund (verb+ING) or BOTH? (for Beginners)

Whenever we use two verbs together in English, the second verb must change to either an infinitive or gerund, or sometimes it can be either one.  For example:

I enjoy have a coffee after dinner.
I enjoy to have a coffee after dinner.
I enjoy having a coffee after dinner.

I need buy a dress.
I need buying a dress.
I need to buy a dress.

I like go to the beach.
I like to go to the beach.
OR
I like going to the beach.

These examples represent the three groups of verbs below:
  1. gerund ONLY (verb+ing)
  2. infinitive ONLY (to+verb)
  3. gerund OR infinitive 
Here is a short list of the most commonly used verbs that correspond to one of these three groups.

  1. The following verbs MUST be followed by a gerund (verb + ing)
  • can't stand (really don't like!)
  • enjoy
  • finish
  • give up
  • go + activity (swimming, surfing, shopping, dancing, sightseeing...)
  • recommend

      2.  The following verbs MUST be followed by an infinitive (to + verb)
  • forget
  • learn
  • mean
  • need
  • try
  • want

      3.  The following verbs can be followed by a gerund (verb + ing) OR an infinitive (to + verb)

  • begin
  • can't stand
  • hate
  • like
  • love
  • prefer










1 comment:

  1. Very helpful, not only for begginers but for all non native speakers. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete

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