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Sunyy Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

-ing and infinitive

Hey guys.
Can sb tell me if there is a difference in the meaning of these verbs when they are followed by the full infinitive and the ing-form. They are both possible but I want to know if there is a big difference because my grammar says there is but I can't find any.

imagine
learn
like
teach
  

Top answer

'Imagine' takes only the '-ing' form. 'Learn' takes both with no real difference in meaning, but I suggest that the '-ing' form is rare and of limited use. 'Like' takes both with roughly the same meaning, with '-ing' more likely when the activity is in progress.

— Mister Micawber

  • 'Imagine' takes only the '-ing' form.
  • 'Learn' takes both with no real difference in meaning, but I suggest that the '-ing' form is rare and of limited use.
  • 'Like' takes both with roughly the same meaning, with '-ing' more likely when the activity is in progress.
  • 'Teach' takes both, but the infinitive must be preceded by an indirect object, I think.
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2 Answers
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'Imagine' takes only the '-ing' form.
'Learn' takes both with no real difference in meaning, but I suggest that the '-ing' form is rare and of limited use.
'Like' takes both with roughly the same meaning, with '-ing' more likely when the activity is in progress.
'Teach' takes both, but the infinitive must be preceded by an indirect object, I think.
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