when to use ing or to - gerund and infinitive

Question

Hi!I'm posting here for the first time, so if any thread like this alredy exists I'm sorry I'd like to know exactly when to use ing and when to use to in a sentance.Example:I wish (see) the manager.I know it's I wish to see the manager, but I don't know why it's like this.Are there any grammatic rules or how could I know when use ing and when to verb.More examples:He dreads (have) to retire.The boys like (play) games, but hate (do) lessons.Would you mind (shut) the window? I hate (sit) in a draught.Thanks in advance!

Goodman · Accepted Answer

SythHi!
I'm posting here for the first time, so if any thread like this alredy exists I'm sorry

I'd like to know exactly when to use ing and when to use to in a sentance.

Example:

I wish (see) the manager.
I know it's I wish to see the manager, but I don't know why it's like this.
Are there any grammatic rules or how could I know when use ing and when to verb.

More examples:

He dreads (have) to retire.
The boys like (play) games, but hate (do) lessons.
Would you mind (shut) the window? I hate (sit) in a draught.

Thanks in advance!

Hi Sith,

Welcome!

This may not be “exactly” the answer you want to hear. But I would offer you this. Rule of thumb: for verbs like “desire”, “want”, “like”, “wish”, “intend”, “plan”, “need” and a few others, “infinitive” is the correct choice in most cases. There are exceptions of course but these exceptions are context dependent.

If I ask you: What do you wish to do with your life the most in your life if you have the power to choose?

You may say “I wish to become a pilot”. Not becoming.

What do you plan to do this weekend?

I am planning to have a picnic at .

Sometimes, the verb, “like” can take on either gerund or infinitive without compromise the meaning.

I like to meet / meeting new friends = both are equally good sentences. I hope this helps ...!

CalifJim · Answer

Welcome to English Forums!

Your question has to do with catenative verbs.
Here's a good (and colorful) presentation of such verbs.

http://www.geocities.com/endipatterson/Catenative.html

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

HI!

I WANT KNOW ALOT ABOUT USING SINCE&FOR IN PRESENT PERFECT TENCE&PRESENTCONTINOUS TENSE BECAUSE I SAW MANY PEOPLE USING SINCE AND FOR WITH PRESENT PERFECT AND PRESENT CONTINOUS

FOR EXAMPLE:

THEY ARE TRYING TO THIS DO FOR WEEKS

THEY HAVE BEEN TRYING TO DO THIS FOR WEEKS

when to use ing or to - gerund and infinitive

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions