Unit 52 · -ing and to …
to ... (I want to do) and -ing (I enjoy doing)
Study
verbs + to . . . (I want to do)
| want | plan | decide | try |
| hope | expect | offer | forget |
| need | promise | refuse | learn |
+ to ... (to do / to work / to be etc.)
What do you want to do this evening?
It's not very late. We don't need to go home yet.
Tina has decided to sell her car.
You forgot to switch off the light when you went out.
My brother is learning to drive.
I tried to read my book, but I was too tired.
verbs + -ing (I enjoy doing)
| enjoy | stop | suggest |
| mind | finish |
+ -ing (doing / working / being etc.)
I enjoy dancing. (not enjoy to dance)
I don't mind getting up early.
Has it stopped raining?
Sonia suggested going to the cinema.
verbs + -ing or to ...
| like | love | start |
| prefer | hate | begin |
| continue |
+ -ing (doing etc.) or to ... (to do etc.)
Do you like getting up early? or Do you like to get up early?
I prefer travelling by car. or I prefer to travel by car.
Anna loves dancing, or Anna loves to dance.
I hate being late, or I hate to be late.
It started raining, or It started to rain.
would like to ... etc.
| would like | would love |
| would prefer | would hate |
+ to ... (to do / to work / to be etc.)
Amy would like to meet you.
I'd love to go to Australia. (I'd = I would)
'Would you like to sit down?' 'No, I'd prefer to stand, thank you.'
I like this apartment. I wouldn't like to move.
I live in a small village. I'd hate to live in a big city.
Exercises (4)
Put the verb in the right form, to ... or -ing.
- 1I enjoy . (dance)example
- 2What do you want tonight? (do)example
- 3Bye! I hope you again soon. (see)
- 4I learnt when I was five years old. (swim)
- 5Have you finished the kitchen? (clean)
- 6Where's Anna? I need her something. (ask)
- 7Do you enjoy other countries? (visit)
- 8The weather was nice, so I suggested for a walk by the river. (go)
- 9Where's Ben? He promised here on time. (be)
- 10I'm not in a hurry. I don't mind . (wait)
- 11What have you decided ? (do)
- 12Dan was angry and refused to me. (speak)
- 13I'm tired. I want to bed. (go)
- 14I was very upset and started . (cry)
- 15I'm trying (work) Please stop . (talk)
Complete the sentences using to ... or -ing. Use these verbs: go help lose rain read see send wait watch
- 1'Have you ever been to Australia?' 'No, but I'd love 'example
- 2Amy had a lot to do, so I offered her.
- 3I'm surprised that you're here. I didn't expect you.
- 4Kate has a lot of books. She enjoys .
- 5This ring was my grandmother's. I'd hate .
- 6Don't forget us a postcard when you're on holiday.
- 7I'm not going out until it stops .
- 8What shall we do this afternoon? Would you like to the beach?
- 9When I'm tired in the evenings, I like TV.
- 10'Shall we go now?' 'No, I'd prefer a few minutes.'
Complete the answers to the questions.
- 1Do you usually get up early?Yes, I like .example
- 2Do you ever go to museums?Yes, I enjoy .
- 3Would you like to go to a museum now?No, I'm hungry. I'd prefer to a restaurant.
- 4Do you drive a lot?No, I don't like .
- 5Have you ever been to New York?No, but I'd love one day.
- 6Do you often travel by train?Yes, I enjoy .
- 7Shall we walk home or take a taxi?I don't mind , but a taxi would be quicker.
Complete these sentences. Write about yourself. Use to ... or -ing.
- 1I enjoy .
- 2I don't like .
- 3If it's a nice day tomorrow, I'd like .
- 4When I'm on holiday, I like .
- 5I don't mind , but .
- 6I wouldn't like .