-ING / TO + INFINITIVE

-ING
USES:

TO + INFINITIVE
USES:

AFTER PREPOSITIONS

WITH PURPOSE

AFTER SOME VERBS

AFTER ADJECTIVES

WHEN IT IS THE SUBJECT

WITH SOME VERBS

Ex.:

Ex.:

You are good at solving these problems.

Im going to Austria to learn German.

I couldnt avoid hearing your conversation. Helen was stupid to believe him.

Smoking is bad for your health.

AFTER PREPOSITIONS
Here are some of the prepositions in
English:
AT
BY

OF IN

ON

FOR WITH

Ex.:
Im angry with her for lying to me.
She accused me of poisoning her dog.

I dont want to see you again.

WITH PURPOSE:
Why he or she does something?
Ex.:
I sat down to rest. (NOT I sat down for

resting)
He went abroad to forget.
AFTER ADJECTIVES:
Ex.:
Im anxious to see her work.
Hes likely to arrive this evening.

AFTER SOME VERBS:

These are some verbs that are usually
followed by ING
AVOID
ENJOY
PRACTISE

DELAY
DISLIKE
FINISH
GIVE UP
DONT MIND

AFTER SOME VERBS:

These are some verbs used with TO + INF
AFFORD
CHOOSE
EXPECT
HOPE
MEAN
PROMISE
REFUSE

AGREE
DECIDE
FORGET
LEARN
OFFER
TEACH
WANT

ALLOW
ENCOURAGE
HELP
MANAGE
PRETEND
WOULD LIKE

NOTE! After some verbs, either an ING form or TO + INFINITIVE can be used:
BEGIN

CONTINUE

INTEND

HATE

LOVE

PREFER

START

In some cases there is a difference in meaning:

STOP

TRY

REMEMBER

STOP + -ING: Martin stopped smoking when he was thirty. (He didnt continue
doing it)
STOP + TO INF.: I stopped to read the banner. (I stopped in order to do
something)
TRY + -ING: They tried pushing the button in order to start the machine. (Do an
action to test something)
TRY + TO INF.: They tried to repair the car. (Attempt to do something implying an
effort)
REMEMBER + -ING: I remember giving her the money. (Have a memory of it)
REMEMBER + TO INF.: She remembered to send the letter. (She didnt forget)

EXERCISES:
Give an explanation for each of the next sentences: WHY DO WE USE
ING or TO + INF?
1.- She accused me for poisoning her dog.
2.- It is usual to come to the bar after working.
3.- It is important to start the meeting at eight oclock.
4.- The judge considers essential to question the eyewitness.
5.- I enjoy traveling.
6.- Its nice to talk to you again.
7.- I remember telling you about the party.

8.- I remembered to buy bred.

9.- This theory is impossible to understand.
10.- Cricket is not very interesting to watch.
11.- The letters are ready to sign.
12.- I avoided talking to him because I was in a hurry.
13.- Press the red button to switch on the TV.
14.- After driving the whole night he found a place to stop.
15.- John was thinking in decorating the new apartment.
16.- Dont forget to send the letter.
17.- I want to buy a new car.
Complete the following sentences with ING or TO + INF. If both are
possible explain if there is a difference in meaning.
1.- It is difficult _____________ (know) what time the plane is landing.
2.- Ive been thinking in _____________ (tell) you the truth.
3.- Martin is going to Russia _______________ (visit) the Kremlin.
4.- He got up early _____________ (have) time ____________ (pack).
5.- I forgot ____________ (send) the application.
6.- The man was condemned for _____________ (kill) his wife
7.- The Company stopped _____________ (admit) inexperienced workers.
8.- John stopped _____________ (make) a break.
9.- Mary loves ______________ (visit) her family in Christmas.
10.- She doesnt mind _____________ (spend) the evening with Peter.