After some verbs we can use an –ing form, but not normally an infinitive.
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I have finished packing. (NOT I have finished to pack.)
I enjoy reading. (NOT I enjoy to read.)
You must give up smoking. (NOT … to smoke.)
The doctor suggested taking a long holiday. (NOT … suggested me to take…)
Some common verbs that are normally followed by –ing forms are:
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| admit |
appreciate |
avoid |
consider |
delay |
| deny |
detest |
dislike |
endure |
enjoy |
| escape |
excuse |
face |
fancy |
feel like |
| finish |
forgive |
give up |
can't help |
imagine |
| involve |
mention |
mind |
miss |
postpone |
| practice |
put off |
resent |
resist |
risk |
| suggest |
understand |
Some of the verbs listed above can be followed by object + -ing form.
| I dislike people telling me what to do.
I can’t imagine him working in an office.
Nobody can stop him (from) doing what he wants to.
After deserve, need and require, the –ing form has a passive sense.
The car requires servicing. (= needs to be serviced.)
You hair needs cutting. (= needs to be cut.)
Some verbs can be followed by both –ing forms and infinitives. These include:
| advise |
allow |
can't bear |
forbid |
forget |
| go |
go on |
hate |
hear |
intend |
| like |
love |
permit |
prefer |
feel like |
| propose |
regret |
remember |
see |
start |
| stop |
try |
watch | |
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