INFINITIVE ATAU VERB-ING?

INFINITIVE ATAU VERB-ING?

Sometimes we need to decide whether to use a verb in its:

-ing form (doing, singing)

Or infinitive form (to do, to sing).

1.I dislike working late. (?)

2. I dislike to work late. (?)

- allow, can/can't afford, decide, manage, mean, refuse

3. I forgot to close the window.

4. Mary needs to leave early.

5. Why are they encouraged to learn English?

6. We can't afford to take a long holiday.

7. I was happy to help them.

8. She will be delighted to see you.

9. The water was too cold to swim in.

10. Is your coffee too hot to drink?

11. He was strong enough to lift it.

12. She is rich enough to buy two.

13. Swimming is good exercise.

14. Doctors say that smoking is bad for you.

15. I look forward to meeting you.

16. They left without saying "Goodbye."

17 I dislike getting up early.

18. Would you mind opening the window?

19. It started to rain.

20. It started raining.

21. I like to play tennis.

22. I like playing tennis.

For example, only one of the following sentences is correct. Which one?
When to use the infinitive

The infinitive form is used after certain verbs:
- forget, help, learn, teach, train
- choose, expect, hope, need, offer, want, would like
- agree, encourage, pretend, promise.

The infinitive form is always used after adjectives, for example:
- disappointed, glad, happy, pleased, relieved, sad, surprised
This includes too + adjective:
The infinitive form is used after adjective + enough:
When to use -ing
The -ing form is used when the word is the subject of a sentence or clause:
The -ing form is used after a preposition:
The -ing form is used after certain verbs:

- avoid, dislike, enjoy, finish, give up, mind/not mind, practice

Some verbs can be followed by the -ing form or the infinitive without a big change in meaning:begin, continue, hate, intend, like, love, prefer, propose, start.

Now check your understanding:
Infinitive or -ing Quiz
Complete these sentences using the correct verb, in the correct form. (to +verb, verb+ing)

Note that in some sentences, both forms are acceptable.

(e.g. I like playing tennis on Mondays. I like to play tennis on Mondays.)

to carry / carrying   to have / having  to visit / visiting          
to wear / wearing   to borrow / borrowing  to open / opening
to take / taking   to finish / finishing    To receive / receiving
to play / playing         

1. We __________ like our grandmother on Sundays.
2. I might want __________ your Science notes.
3. My father hates __________ a tie to work.
4. We can't afford __________ a vacation this summer.
5. The company was pleased __________ your thank-you letter.
6. Would you mind __________ a window?
7. My suitcase is light enough __________ this time.
8. She cannot leave the table without __________ her dinner.
9. The music will continue __________ until you turn it off.
10. My little brother dislikes __________ his hair brushed.