-ing or to
When do I use the '-ing form' of a verb (sleeping) and when do I use the 'to-infinitive' to sleep?
verbs + 'ing-form'
verbs + 'to-infinitive'
verbs + 'ing-form' or 'to-infinitive'
verbs + 'ing-form'
Some verbs are always followed by the 'ing-form', for example:
can't help
dislike
enjoy
fancy
(can't) face
mind
practise
(can't) stand
suggest
consider
miss
avoid
I can't stand doing maths homework.
verbs + 'to-infinitive'
Some verbs are always followed by the 'to-infinitive', for example:
agree
appear
ask
attempt
want
decide
expect
hope
plan
refuse
pretend
promise
seem
I've decided to buy a Rolex. I want to have a watch that won't break.
verbs + 'ing-form' or 'to-infinitive'
Some verbs can be used by either the 'ing-form' or 'to-infinitive'. There is not much difference in meaning, for example:
begin
bother
continue
hate
like
love
prefer
stand
He started to talk so fast that I couldn't understand a word.
He started talking so fast that I couldn't understand a word.
Note! Only the to-infinitive is used after would like, would prefer, would love etc.
Back to top
| 
