Verb + to or -ing

What are we learning today?

You will learn which verbs take -ing and which verbs take to + verb. You will use them in stories.

Explanation

• After enjoy, finish, stop and keep, use -ing.
• After want, try, decide and hope, use to + verb.
• Use to + verb to say why: "He moved to Hollywood to make films."
• "Stop + -ing" means you finish an action.
• "Stop + to + verb" means you stop in order to do something else.
• After did, can, could and will, use the base form.

Examples

1. I enjoy watching comedies.
2. She decided to go home.
3. They brought food to eat during the play.

Remember!

• Do not say "enjoy to read" or "decide going".
• Do not say "want going" or "try playing" for these verbs.

Check yourself

1. Choose: I enjoy (to read / reading).
2. Complete: He wants ___ (be) a director.
3. Complete: They finished ___ (clean) the park.