Grammar reference and practice 4.3

4.3 ■ Verb + infinitive or -ing form

When two verbs appear together in a sentence, the first one can be followed by the infinitive or the -ing form of the second.

When I'm older, I want to be a historian. (want + infinitive)

I enjoyed reading this book. (enjoy + -ing form)

It is important to remember the pattern for each verb.

Below are some of the most common.

Verb + infinitive	Verb + -ing form
agree decide hope need promise pretend try want would like	avoid can't stand don't mind enjoy hate like look forward to love

Note the difference between like and would like:

Do you like swimming? (= Do you enjoy it in general?)

Would you like to go swimming today? (= Do you want to do it now, or at a specific time?)

1Match the sentence halves. 

What do you like

My grandad wanted

I can't stand

Diana tried to imagine

Once I finish school, I hope to

Karl says he doesn't mind

What do you mean? We never agreed to

I'm looking forward to

• painting the fence. He finds it quite relaxing.
• being back home for the holidays.
• pay for everyone's food!
• to be an archaeologist when he was younger.
• work abroad as a journalist.
• ironing. It's such a boring job.
• doing in your spare time?
• sitting in her favourite armchair back at home.

 2Complete the sentences using the infinitive or -ing form of the verb in brackets. 

You need to use normal letters and capital letters correctly in this task.

• 1You should avoid  (go) anywhere too hot.

• 2Leo is hoping  (become) famous.

• 3Lucy and Caroline enjoy  (study) at the summer school.

• 4Why do you want  (be) a lawyer?

• 5We are looking forward to  (relax) on our holiday.

• 6I really hate  (get) mosquito bites.

• 7I'd like  (work) abroad next year.

• 8Take your time. I don't mind  (wait).