Unit 51

to ... (I want to do) and -ing (I enjoy doing)

Grammar

Examples

Exercises

A. verbs + to ... (I want to do)

want

plan

decide

try

forget

hope

expect

offer

refuse

learn

need

promise

+ 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.

B. verbs + -ing (I enjoy doing)

enjoy

stop

mind

finish

suggest

+ -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.

I enjoy dancing.

C. verbs + -ing or to ...

love

hate

prefer

start

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.
Ann loves dancing. or Ann loves to dance.
I hate being late. or I hate to be late.
It started raining. or It started to rain.

D. would like to ... (etc.)

would like

would love

would prefer

would hate

+ to ... (to do / to work / to be etc.)

Julia would like to meet you. (not 'would like meeting')
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 wouldn't like to be a teacher.

verbs + to ...

I want to go home.
She decided to wait.
They need to hurry.
He promised to call.

verbs + -ing

I enjoy listening to music.
She finished writing the letter.
He suggested going out.
They stopped talking.

verbs + -ing or to ...

I like swimming / to swim.
She hates getting up early / to get up early.
It started raining / to rain.

would like / would love etc. + to ...

I'd like to help you.
Would you like to come?
I'd love to travel the world.

Progress: 0% (0/0)

51.1 Put the verb in the right form, to ... or -ing.

1. I enjoy . (dance)

2. What do you want tonight? (do)

3. Goodbye! I hope you again soon. (see)

4. I learnt when I was five years old. (swim)

5. Have you finished the kitchen? (clean)

6. I'm tired. I want to bed. (go)

7. Do you enjoy other countries? (visit)

8. The weather was nice, so I suggested for a walk by the river. (go)

9. Where's Bill? He promised here on time. (be)

10. I'm not in a hurry. I don't mind . (wait)

11. What have you decided ? (do)

12. George was very angry and refused to me. (speak)

13. Where's Ann? I need her something. (ask)

14. It was very upset and started . (cry)

15. I'm trying . Please stop . (work / talk)

51.2 Complete the sentences using to ... or -ing. Use one of these verbs:

help

live

lose

rain

read

see

send

take

wait

walk

watch

1. I like but I wouldn't there.

2. I like (OR to take) photographs when I'm on holiday.

3. Linda has a lot of books. She enjoys .

4. I'm surprised that you're here. I didn't expect you.

5. 'Don't forget that letter when you're on holiday.'

6. 'Shall we get a taxi to the cinema?' 'If you like, but it isn't far. I don't mind .'

7. This ring is very beautiful. I'd hate it.

8. Julia had a lot to do, so I offered her.

9. What shall we do this afternoon? Would you like to the beach?

10. When I'm tired in the evenings, I like television.

11. 'Shall we go now?' 'No, I'd prefer a few minutes.'

12. I'm not going out until it stops .

51.3 Complete the answers to the questions.

1. Do you usually get up early? → Yes, I like (OR to get) up early.

2. Do you ever go to museums? → Yes, I love to museums.

3. Do you often write letters? → No, but I'd love more often one day.

4. Have you ever been to New York? → Yes, I enjoy there.

5. Do you often travel by train? → I don't mind by train.

6. Shall we eat at home or go to a restaurant? → I'd prefer at a restaurant.

51.4 Complete these sentences. Write about yourself. Use to ... or -ing.

1. I enjoy

2. I don't like

3. If it's a nice day tomorrow, I'd like

4. When I'm on holiday, I like

5. I don't mind

6. I wouldn't like