Verb patterns 1
VERBS + ING
There are verbs that can be followed only by "-ing"
STOP, QUIT, FINISH, GIVE UP, DELAY, POSTPONE, PUT OFF, KEEP, IMAGINE, CONSIDER, ADMIT, DENY, AVOID, MISS, RISK, MIND, SUGGEST, ENJOY …
These verbs usually introduce some activity:
I stopped attending the course.
Imagine working in this factory.
He denied speaking to them about the problem.
There are two exceptional verbs that are followed by verbs without TO: LET, MAKE
Let him do it.
She made me open the box.
VERBS + TO
There are verbs that can be followed only by "to"
DECIDE, HOPE, AGREE, DESERVE, OFFER, PROMISE, MANAGE, AFFORD, PLAN, REFUSE, ARRANGE, SEEM, PRETEND, APPEAR…
These verbs usually introduce a single act that will follow:
I decided to do it.
She refused to tell me her name.
They planned to go on holiday.
WOULD + TO
Verbs such as LIKE, LOVE, HATE, ENJOY, MIND are usually followed by –ING
(* like, love and hate can sometimes have also TO)
I like playing football.
He loves watching horror movies.
I don't mind waiting.
If they are combined with WOULD, they are followed by TO
(* with an exception of MIND)
I would like to play a football match.
She'd love to go round the world.
Would you mind closing the door, please?
VERBS + OBJECT + TO
There are sentences in which the verb is followed by an object and then by TO.
I want you to do it.
She told me not to speak about it.
He wanted us to sing.
PREPOSITIONS + ING
Always use -ING after prepositions.
They left without saying goodbye.
He insisted on working on his own.
Please forgive me for making so many mistakes.
ADJECTIVES + TO
Always use TO after adjectives.
I was very happy to find you.
They were surprised to see me.
It was dangerous to drive so fast.