Verb + to or -ing

What are we learning today?

You will choose the right form after verbs like want, would like, love and enjoy.

Explanation

• After want, would like and would prefer, use to + verb.
• After love, enjoy and spend time, use verb + -ing.
• I would like is more polite than I want.
• Use I'd like when you ask for something in a cafe.

Examples

1. Do we want to have a new shopping centre?
2. I'd prefer to use the land for something else.
3. We spent a long time watching the fish.

Remember!

• would like + to + verb. Do not say "would like going".
• love, enjoy + verb + -ing.

Check yourself

1. Complete: I would like ___ (visit) the castle.
2. Complete: She loves ___ (skate).
3. Which is more polite: "I want a pizza" or "I'd like a pizza"?