Infinitive or ING form

EOI

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

-ing form (doing, singing)

or

infinitive form (to do, to sing).

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

I’ve just decided buying a new car. (?)

I’ve just decided to buy a new car. (?)

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

I agreed to go with her. He decided to leave the party early. Why are they encouraged to learn English? We can't afford to take a long holiday.

! For the negative form we use “not” before the infinitive:I agreed not to go with her.

The infinitive form is always used after adjectives, for example:- disappointed, glad, happy, pleased, relieved, sad, surprised

I was happy to help them.

This includes too + adjective:The water was too cold to swim in.

The infinitive form is used after adjective + enough:

She is rich enough to buy two.

When to use -ing

The -ing form is used when the word is the subject of a sentence or clause:

Swimming is good exercise. Doctors say that smoking is bad for you.

The -ing form is used after a preposition: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, deny, postpone, fancy, admit, miss, involve, imagine

I dislike getting up early.

Would you mind opening the window?

! For the negative form we use “not” before the gerund:Would you mind not opening the window? It’s cold outside.

Gerund and infinitive

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.

It started to rain / It started raining.

I like to play tennis / I like playing tennis.

Fill in the blanks with the infinitive or ing form

1. We like ______ our grandmother on Sundays. (visit)

2. It wasn’t a nice day, so we decided _____ for a walk. (not go)

3. My father hates _____a tie to work. (wear) 4. We can't afford ______ a vacation this

summer. (take) 5. The company was pleased ______ your

thank-you letter. (receive) 6. Our neighbour threatened _______ the police.

(call) 7. I hope ______ a job soon. (find)

8. Would you mind _____ a window? (open) 9. She was too proud _____ the truth. (tell) 10. She cannot leave the table without ______ her

dinner. (finish) 11. The music will continue _______until you turn it off.

(play) 12. My little brother dislikes ______his hair brushed. (not

have) 13. Men aren’t very good at ______ women’s thoughts.

(guess) 14._________ is bad for your health. (smoke)