Gerunds and infinitives — Foreign languages, 11–13
See why some verbs are followed by an action ending in -ing and others by to plus a verb. Foreign languages, 11–13 years.
Two shapes for a following action
In English, one action can follow another verb in two common shapes: I enjoy swimming and I want to swim. Swimming acts like the name of an activity, while to swim points towards an action or plan. The first verb helps choose the shape, so you learn the pattern with the verb rather than translating it word by word.
Why these patterns exist
A learner needs to join two actions without making the sentence unclear. English developed several patterns for showing whether an activity is enjoyable, finished, planned or expected, but the choice is not a perfect logic puzzle. Learning the problem behind it helps: the first verb sets the frame, and the next verb fits that frame.
A worked example
Build two sentences with enjoy and want. Step 1: remember the patterns enjoy + -ing and want + to + verb. Step 2: add read: I enjoy reading comics. Step 3: use the second pattern: I want to read this comic. The meaning changes from liking the activity to having a wish or plan.
The trap: translating the pattern
It is reasonable to copy the form used in your first language, because the meaning may feel identical. But languages package the second action differently: a sentence that sounds natural in Portuguese, Spanish or German may not work in English. Treat enjoy reading as one stored team, and check the first verb when you meet a new pattern.
Where you use it
These patterns appear when you talk about hobbies, plans, choices and things you avoid: I love drawing, she decided to leave, we stopped talking. You meet them in games, songs, messages and instructions. When you learn a new verb, save it with its partner form, and make one true sentence about yourself.
Keep exploring
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