Verb + to or -ing

What are we learning today?

You will learn which verbs take "to + verb" and which take "verb + -ing".

Explanation

• After want, would like, need, decide and try, use to + verb.
• After love, like, enjoy, finish and stop, use verb + -ing.
• Would like is always followed by to.
• Like and love with -ing talk about things you enjoy in general.

Examples

1. He wanted to sail to Asia.
2. I love drawing and painting.
3. My sister enjoys helping animals. She wants to be a vet.

Remember!

• want to + verb: I want to help animals.
• enjoy + -ing: She enjoys painting.
• Say "I would like to help", not "I would like helping".

Check yourself

1. Complete: She wants ___ (become) an astronaut.
2. Complete: I love ___ (dance).
3. Which is correct: "I would like helping" or "I would like to help"?