Use of "to+ verb" and "verb + ing"

Question

HI everybody again, sometimes i am confusing in the use of verbs with "to + verb" and "verb + -ing". Sentences like : "Can you (swimming)?" and "Would you like (to learn) a martial arts?"Can anyone tell me? I will thank you a lot.

Dave Phillips · Accepted Answer

Verb + ing means that the action continues (not finished). Can you swim? -General time period set in present. The person can swim (or not) today, tomorrow, next year etc because they have the ability.

Are you swimming today? - Time period which continues so Starts at 5pm and ends at 7pm.etc.

I'm sure somebody will think of a better way of explaining than I have but its a start. Look at present simple and present continuous sentences in a grammar book/look online.

CalifJim · Answer

hzpHI everybody again, sometimes i am confusing in the use of verbs with "to + verb" and "verb + -ing". Sentences like : "Can you (swimming)?" and "Would you like (to learn) a martial arts?"Can anyone tell me? I will thank you a lot.

In addition to "to + verb" and "verb + -ing", there is also the choice of simply "verb" with no "to" and no "-ing".

The choice between these three verb forms is determined by the words that come before them.

can, could, will, would, shall, should, may, might, must: All take the plain verb.

I can go. Not *I can going. Not *I can to go.
Should they wait? Not *Should they waiting? Not *Should I to wait?

let, make, have: These can also take the plain verb (after an object).

Let me see it! Not *Let me seeing it! Not *Let me to see it!
I'll have him send it to you. Not *I'll have him sending it to you. Not *I'll have him to send it to you.
____________

want, hope, promise, and many other verbs take the "to + verb" form.

I want to help you.
I promise to help you.
Susan hopes to visit China some day.

Most adjectives also take the "to + verb" form.

We are all ready to go.
Edward is eager to buy a new car.
Fran is not likely to say "No".

___________

avoid and keep are just two verbs that take the "verb + -ing" form, and all prepositions also take the "verb + -ing" form.

They avoided saying anything negative.
Lucy kept looking at us while we worked.

Larry is good at painting landscapes.
Mary succeeded by studying hard every day.

___________

Some verbs can combine with more than one of these three verb forms, and you will have to note them as you continue your study of English. What I have written here is only a very brief introduction to a very big topic.

CJ

Use of "to+ verb" and "verb + ing"

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