UNIT 2

GRAMMAR
VERB PATTERNS
Do you know when to use -ing and when to
use to + infinitive after a verb?
Look at these examples to see how the verb forms are used.

I enjoy learning languages.

I want to learn a new language.

Sometimes we can use either form and there is no

change in meaning. Occasionally we can use either form
and there is a change in meaning.
 TRY THESE EXERCISES:work in pairs
1. I enjoy _____ online games. 4. I would like _____ a reservation, please.
playing making
to play to make
2. My brother promised _____ us to the airport. 5. I suggest _____ the museums while you're in London.
taking visiting
to take to visit
3. If you feel ill, avoid _____ any hard exercise. 6. Do you mind _____ for me a few minutes?
doing waiting
to do to wait

 A verb can be followed by another verb.

 The second one usually needs to change into the -ing form or the to + infinitive form. Which form you
need depends on what the first verb is.
 Verbs followed by Verbs followed by
the -ing form the –to form
When want, learn and offer are followed by
When enjoy, admit and mind are followed by another verb, it
another verb, it must be in the to + infinitive
must be in the -ing form.
I enjoy travelling. form.

He admitted stealing the necklace. I want to speak to the manager.

I don't mind waiting if you're busy.
Other verbs in this group include avoid, can't
help, consider, dislike, feel like, finish, give
up, miss, practise and suggest.
Like and love can be followed by the -ing form and the to +
infinitive form. They are both correct.
She's learning to play the piano.
He offered to help us wash up.
Other verbs in this group
include afford, agree, ask, choose, decide, exp
ect, hope, plan, prepare, promise, refuse and
would like.
What about the verbs that can be followed by
either form?
These include start , begin , continue and bo th er.
It started raining. or It started to rain.
Don’t bother waiting for me. or Don’t bother to wait for me.
The verbs like, love and hate can be followed by -ing or
the infinitive when talking about repeated actions.
I love reading long novels. (British English or American English)
I love to read long novels. (American English)
But when we are talking about situations, we use the -ing form.
Paulo loves living by the beach in Rio.
Do you like working as a waitress?
So, 'I love learning grammar rules' or 'I love
to learn grammar rules' are both OK?
• I never remember to lock the door, and my mum gets really angry!
(remember + infinitive = remember something and then do it)
I never remember locking the door, but when I go back and check I
always have.
(remember + -ing = remember something you did before)
• She stopped smoking three years ago.
(stop + -ing = to not do something any more)
It was hot, so we stopped to have a drink. (we stopped walking)
(stop + infinitive = to not do something in order to do something
else)
https://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/grammar/a1-a2-grammar/verb-ing-or-verb-infinitiv
e
LET’S TRY
SPEAKING: make a short conversation. Use verb
patterns

THEN RECORD THE CONVERSATION: https://vocaroo.com/