Infinitive and gerund after common verbs
How it works
In English, certain verbs are followed either by the infinitive with ‹to› (e.g. ‹to go›) or by the gerund (verb + ‹-ing›, e.g. ‹going›). After verbs like ‹want›, ‹decide› or ‹hope›, the infinitive with ‹to› usually comes. After verbs like ‹enjoy›, ‹finish› or ‹avoid›, however, the gerund follows. Some verbs such as ‹like› or ‹love› can allow both forms, often with hardly any noticeable difference in meaning. The correct choice can be recognized from the verb and the meaning in the sentence. Example: ‹She promised to help› (infinitive), but ‹He enjoys swimming› (gerund).
After certain verbs, either the infinitive with ‹to› or the gerund comes. The form depends on the preceding verb. Example: ‹want to do›, but ‹enjoy doing›.
An example
Choose the correct form: ‹I hope ___ (visit) London next year.›
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50 Exercises
To the learning unit →Own explanation and own practice exercises by AmyMath. Subject reference framework: English. The topic assignment may vary by federal state.