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A2 Pre-intermediate
A2 grammar contents
A2-ing and infinitive

Infinitives and gerunds

Learn common verb patterns with to-infinitives and -ing forms, and remember that a verb after a preposition normally takes -ing.

Overview

What this grammar does

Learn common verb patterns with to-infinitives and -ing forms, and remember that a verb after a preposition normally takes -ing.

Form and rules

How it works

1

Common verbs followed by to + infinitive include want, need, decide, hope and plan.

2

Common verbs followed by -ing include enjoy, finish, avoid and mind.

3

After a preposition, use the -ing form: interested in learning, good at cooking.

4

Like, love and hate can often take either -ing or to + infinitive at this level, although the emphasis can differ in more advanced English.

5

Verb patterns must often be learned with the verb itself. Do not assume English uses the same pattern as another language.

A closer look

Meaning and use

Like, love and hate can often take either -ing or to + infinitive at this level, although the emphasis can differ in more advanced English.

Verb patterns must often be learned with the verb itself. Do not assume English uses the same pattern as another language.

Examples

See the pattern in complete sentences

I want to learn Italian.

She enjoys reading.

We decided to stay home.

He's good at fixing things.

Do you mind waiting a minute?

Common mistakes

What to avoid

I hope seeing you soon.
I hope to see you soon.

Hope is commonly followed by to + infinitive.

She enjoys to swim in the sea.
She enjoys swimming in the sea.

Enjoy is followed by an -ing form.

Ready to practise?

The test combines multiple choice, gap completion, error correction, and sentence building so students have to recognise and produce the grammar, not simply reread the rule.

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