17/11/08

Infinitive or -ing?When to use the infinitiveThe infinitive form is used after certain verbs:- forget, help, learn, teach, train- choose, expect, hope, need, offer, want, would like- agree, encourage, pretend, promise, recommend- allow, can/can't afford, decide, manage, mean, refuse

I forgot to close the window. Mary needs to leave early. Why are they encouraged to learn English? We can't afford to take a long holiday.

The infinitive form is always used after adjectives, for example:- disappointed, glad, happy, pleased, relieved, sad, surprised

I was happy to help them. She will be delighted to see you.

This includes too + adjective:

The water was too cold to swim in. Is your coffee too hot to drink?

The infinitive form is used after adjective + enough:

He was strong enough to lift it. She is rich enough to buy two.

When to use -ingThe -ing form is used when the word is the subject of a sentence or clause:

Swimming is good exercise. Doctors say that smoking is bad for you. Going to parties is fun.

The -ing form is used after a preposition:

I’m really looking forward to meeting you. They left without saying "Goodbye."

The -ing form is used after certain verbs:- avoid, dislike, enjoy, finish, give up, mind/not mind, practise

I just finished writing my essay for Lucy. Would you mind opening the window?

Some verbs can be followed by the -ing form or the infinitive without a change in meaning: begin, continue, hate, intend, like, love, prefer, propose, start.

It started to rain. It started raining. I like to play tennis. I like playing tennis.

On the other hand, there’re some other verbs that although they can take both forms (-ing or the infinitivo), there’s a big change in meaning: try, remember, stop.

I stopped to smoke a cigarette as I usually don’t like to have the smell in my car.

I stopped smoking last month when I learned I was pregnant. I remember inviting her out for dinner. I remembered to invite her out for dinner when I saw a note on my

calendar.

I took the information from www.englishclub.com. You can do a quiz on:

http://www.englishclub.com/grammar/verbs-m_infinitive-ing_quiz.htm