📘 Part of the Complete English Course · Elementary (A2), week 10
After some verbs we use -ing (I enjoy cooking). After others we use to + verb (I want to learn). Learn the most common ones as pairs.
The rules
Common verbs
| + -ing | + to + verb |
|---|---|
| enjoy: I enjoy reading. | want: I want to apply. |
| finish: Have you finished filling in the form? | need: You need to sign here. |
| don't mind: I don't mind waiting. | decide: We decided to move. |
| like / love / hate: I love swimming. | would like: I'd like to make an appointment. |
| go + activity: go shopping, go swimming | hope / plan: I hope to see you soon. |
Remember
- After prepositions, always use -ing: interested in learning, good at cooking.
- 'Would like' is polite and takes to: I'd like to book a table.
- 'Like' can take -ing or to with almost the same meaning in everyday English: I like swimming / I like to swim.
Listen and repeat
- I'd like to update my address, please.
- Have you finished filling in the form?
- I don't mind waiting.
- She's interested in studying nursing.
Common mistakes
| Not this | Say this | Why |
|---|---|---|
| I enjoy cooking. | enjoy + -ing. | |
| I want to learn English. | want + to. | |
| I'm interested in joining. | preposition + -ing. |
Check yourself
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Frequently asked questions
When do we use -ing or to in English?
After some verbs we use -ing (I enjoy cooking). After others we use to + verb (I want to learn). Learn the most common ones as pairs. After prepositions, always use -ing: interested in learning, good at cooking.
What are common mistakes with -ing or to?
Say 'I enjoy cooking.', not 'I enjoy to cook.' (enjoy + -ing). Say 'I want to learn English.', not 'I want learning English.' (want + to). Say 'I'm interested in joining.', not 'I'm interested to join.' (preposition + -ing).
What level is this -ing or to lesson?
It's a Elementary (A2) lesson, week 10 of the free Complete English Course. It takes about 10 minutes and ends with a quiz.