One of the difficulties of the English language is that some verbs are followed by the gerund (ex : doing) and others are followed by the infinitive (ex : to do)
Below you will find some guidelines and examples to help you.
(example verb : doing / to do).
| When do we use the GERUND? (ex: doing) |
- After verbs that express likes/dislikes :
- like, love, enjoy, dislike, hate, don't mind, can't stand ...
Example : I like doing crossword puzzles.
| + doing |
- After certain other verbs such as :
- admit, appreciate, avoid, consider, delay, deny, finish,
imagine, involve, keep (on), mention, miss, postpone, suggest ...
Example : Would you consider doing a few extra hours?
| + doing |
- After prepositions :
- interested in ...
Example : Are you interested in working for us? - instead of ...
Ex: Would you like to walk instead of taking the bus? - look forward to ...
Ex: Our parents are looking forward to seeing us soon. - good at ...
Ex: Julie is good at making cakes. - before...
Ex: Before leaving the office, please turn off the lights. - after ...
Ex: After tidying the kitchen she went straight to bed.
|
