"to" and "-ing "

If you use "-ing", you do not need to add "too"

"to" " -ing"

I like to read. I like reading.

I like to swim. I like swimming.

I like to eat. I like eating

I like to sleep. I like sleeping.

Negative

I don't like to read. I don't like reading.

I don't like to swim. I don't like swimming.

I don't like to eat. I don't like eating.

I don't like to sleep. I don't like sleeping.

"to" (infinitive) or -ing (gerund)?

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

• -ing form (eating, sleeping)
• or
• "to" form (to eat, to sleep).

For example, only one of the following sentences is correct. Which one?

• I dislike working late. (???)
• I dislike to work late. (???)

We don't say "I dislike to work late."

But....

We could say "I don't like to work late."

When do we use "to" (infinitive)?

After certain verbs:

- forget, help, learn, teach, train

- choose, expect, hope, need, offer, want, would like

- agree, encourage, pretend, promise

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

• I forgot to close the door.
• Mary needs to leave the room.
• Why are they encouraged to learn French?
• We can't afford to take a long coffee break.

The infinitive form is always used after adjectives, for example:

- disappointed, glad, happy, pleased, relieved, sad, surprised

• I was happy to see them.
• She will be delighted to help you find a sweater.

This includes too + adjective:

• The water was too cold to bathe in.
• Is your sandwich too big to bite?

The infinitive form is used after adjective + enough:

• He was strong enough to lift it.
• She is rich enough to own two cars.

When to use -ing

When the word is the subject of a sentence or clause:

• Jogging is good exercise.
• Doctors say that over-eating is bad for you.

The -ing form is used after a preposition:

[Go to this video to review prepositions of place.]

[Watch this video to review prepositions of time.]

• I look forward to meeting you.
• They left without saying "Goodbye."

The -ing form is used after certain verbs:

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

• I dislike getting up early.
• Would you mind opening the window?

Try this quiz.

Try this quiz.

Try this exercise.