Verbs followed by '-ing' or infinitive
Look at these examples to see how the verb forms are used.
I enjoy learning languages.
I want to learn a new language.
Try this exercise to test your grammar.
Read the explanation to learn more.
Grammar explanation
A verb can be followed by another verb. The second one usually needs to change into the -ing form or the to + infinitive form. Which form you need depends on what the first verb is.
Verbs followed by the -ing form
When enjoy, admit and mind are followed by another verb, it must be in the -ing form.
I enjoy travelling.
He admitted stealing the necklace.
I don't mind waiting if you're busy.
Other verbs in this group include avoid, can't help, consider, dislike, feel like, finish, give up, miss, practise and suggest.
Like and love can be followed by the -ing form and the to + infinitive form. They are both correct.
Verbs followed by to + infinitive form
When want, learn and offer are followed by another verb, it must be in the to + infinitive form.
I want to speak to the manager.
She's learning to play the piano.
He offered to help us wash up.
Other verbs in this group include afford, agree, ask, choose, decide, expect, hope, plan, prepare, promise, refuse and would like.
Do this exercise to test your grammar again.
Hello,
Which option is grammatically correct and acceptable in a formal or exam context?
Rapid urban growth created challenges in housing, transportation, and providing enough water supplies.
Rapid urban growth created challenges in housing, transportation, and provision of enough water supplies.
I know that items connected by and should be parallel, but, if I’m not mistaken, gerunds are considered nouns as well.
Also, is it necessary for the article the to appear before provision?
Hello Ami_H,
This is fine.
This is also fine and is a little more suitable in style to a report or similar formal document.
That's correct. One of the uses of the -ing form is as a noun.
It's not necessary here but I think it's preferable to use it. It depends whether you are talking about a specific situation (urban growth in one particular place and at one particular period of time) or in more general terms (urban growth in general tends to create such challenges). It seems likely to be the first, in which case 'the' is appropriate.
Peter
The LearnEnglish Team
Hello everyone,
I would like to ask for verbs those aren't listed here (eg. to need, ), how can we use them correctely if they are followed by another verb?
Crispin
Hello Crispin,
You can find more information here:
https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/grammar/english-grammar-reference/verbs-followed-infinitive
https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/grammar/english-grammar-reference/verbs-followed-ing-form
https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/grammar/english-grammar-reference/infinitives
Peter
The LearnEnglish Team
Thank you very much dear Peter.
Which of the following is correct or are they both fine?
I like to read.
I like reading.
Hello Paulo's,
Both forms are possible but there is a slight difference in focus:
We most often use like + ing to describe an activity which gives us pleasure. It has a similar meaning to 'enjoy' or 'take pleasure from'.
We most often use like + to verb to describe our preferences, especially when talking about time, place, frequency etc.
For example:
I like reading. It's my favourite way to relax after a long day.
I like to read in the morning. The house is quiet and I can curl up with my favourite book and a cup of coffee.
Peter
The LearnEnglish Team
Hello Peter, I don't understand the answer for 7/8. Please explain it to me.
Hello Emrys_k,
Are you asking about Grammar Test 1 or Grammar Test 2?
Peter
The LearnEnglish Team
hello, I want to say something. The seventh question has a small problem with the word "chose".