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Introduction

Do you have any hobbies you'd like to start doing? Beth and Neil talk about things they enjoy and our grammar guru Georgie explains the grammar of -ing verbs and infinitives. Learn which verbs to use when we have two verbs together in English.

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Grammar explanation

want/need/learn/decide/offer/hope + to + infinitive

Follow these verbs with the infinitive with 'to'.

Examples:

I want to study physics at university.
We've decided to buy a new car because our old one is making strange noises.

miss/enjoy/suggest/avoid/fancy + -ing verb

Follow these verbs with an -ing verb.

Examples:

I miss running through the fields near the river with my friends when I was younger.
He always avoids washing the dishes. He finds it boring, but he's also lazy.

phrasal verb/preposition + -ing verb

When a verb comes after a phrasal verb or preposition, use an -ing verb.

Examples:

She's very good at speaking Japanese, but her reading could be better.
You should give up vaping. You know it's bad for you.

-ing verb as the subject of a sentence

When a verb is the subject of a sentence, it needs to be in the -ing form. Often, the subject is the first word in a sentence or clause.

Examples:
Walking up this hill is so tiring. My body will ache tomorrow!
Spending time with family is the most important thing to me these days.

To do

Test yourself using the quiz.

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