Verb
pattern
s
• I wanted to go to the theatre • I like going to the theatre
• She wants to go to the theatre • She likes going to the theatre
• They have wanted to go to the theatre. • They have liked going to the theatre.
• I will want to go to the theatre. • I will like going to the theatre.
• I prefer cleaning the house at night.
• I enjoy reading under the sun.
I like drinking coffee
I would like to drink coffee.
When combining verbs, some are
followed by the infinitive form (to
XX)
(usually, the infinite happens after
the
want main verb)
agree intend
manage promise pretend
decide plan arrange
threaten fail consider
teach deserve afford
forgot refuse
would +verb+ infinitive without “to”
I would like to introduce you to my mom.
But some others are followed by the
-ing form (usually, the -ing happens
at the same time as the main verb)
enjoy postpone suggest/recommend
consider miss involve
deny imagine stop
risk avoid mind
admit finish
- Verbs of like and dislike are followed by ing form of verbs: enjoy,
like, hate, love, prefer
- Would+ verb of like and dislike: enjoy, like, hate+ to infinitive:
I would love to have coffee. (I’d love…)
I would prefer to go to the cinema. (I’d prefer)
And some others can take both
forms with a small difference in
meaning…
Infinitive -ing
Please remember to lock the door before you I don’t remember locking the door when I
leave (you are still at home and it’s something left home.
you need to do).
You should remember to study for the test. I remember visiting this place last year.
I forgot to answer your email I’ll never forget driving for the first time.
I stopped to talk to him. I stopped talking to him.
We regret to inform you that you have failed I regret not studying for my exams
the exam.
I tried to help him. Try emailing him. He may answer.
She needs to relax./ You need to clean the The kitchen needs cleaning./ My house
kitchen.
https://test-english.com/grammar-points/b1-b2/gerund-or-infinitive/ needs repairing/
