Which verb form after which word?
| After… | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| a modal (can, must, will, should…) and do / does / did | base form | You must go. · Did you see it? |
| make, let, had better, would rather | base form | They let us leave. |
| to (part of the infinitive) | base form | I want to leave. |
| a preposition (in, on, at, of, for, about, without, before, after) | -ing | She is good at drawing. · He left without saying goodbye. |
| be (progressive) | -ing | They are working. |
| be (passive) | past participle | The door was opened. |
| have (perfect) | past participle | We have finished. |
ECL tipWatch out for to as a preposition: look forward to, be used to, get used to, object to, be committed to take -ing: "I look forward to seeing you."
Verbs + gerund (-ing)
These verbs are followed by -ing: admit, avoid, consider, delay, deny, dislike, enjoy, finish, give up, imagine, involve, keep, mention, mind, miss, postpone, practice, quit, recommend, risk, suggest, can't help, can't stand, it's no use, it's worth.
- He avoided answering the question.
- Would you mind waiting a moment?
- I can't help laughing when he tells that story.
- This museum is worth visiting.
A gerund can also be the subject of a sentence: "Running is good for your health."
Common mistakes
- ✗Wrong: I enjoy to swim.✓Right: I enjoy swimming.
Verbs + to-infinitive
These verbs are followed by to + verb: afford, agree, appear, arrange, ask, attempt, choose, decide, deserve, expect, fail, hope, learn, manage, need, offer, plan, prepare, pretend, promise, refuse, seem, tend, threaten, wait, want, would like.
- We decided to postpone the trip.
- She refused to sign the paper.
- I can't afford to buy a new car.
Verb + person + to-infinitive: advise, allow, ask, encourage, expect, force, invite, order, persuade, remind, teach, tell, want, warn.
- The officer ordered the men to stop.
- I want you to listen carefully.
The to-infinitive also shows purpose: "He went to the PX to buy batteries."
Common mistakes
- ✗Wrong: I want that you listen.✓Right: I want you to listen.
Verbs that take both, with the same meaning
begin, start, continue, like, love, hate, prefer can take either form with little change in meaning: "It started raining." = "It started to rain."
Verbs that change meaning
| Verb | + -ing | + to-infinitive |
|---|---|---|
| stop | stop an activity: He stopped smoking. (He doesn't smoke now.) | stop in order to do something: He stopped to smoke. (He stopped walking and smoked.) |
| remember | remember something you did: I remember locking the door. | remember a duty: Remember to lock the door. |
| forget | forget something you did: I'll never forget seeing the Grand Canyon. | forget a duty: Don't forget to call me. |
| try | do it as an experiment: Try restarting the computer. | make an effort: I tried to lift the box, but it was too heavy. |
| regret | be sorry about the past: I regret saying that. | be sorry to announce: We regret to inform you that the flight is canceled. |
| mean | involve: The new job means traveling a lot. | intend: I meant to call you, but I forgot. |
Used to, be used to, get used to
| Structure | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| used to + base verb | a past habit or state that has stopped | I used to smoke. (I don't now.) |
| be used to + -ing or a noun | be accustomed to | I'm used to getting up early. |
| get used to + -ing or a noun | become accustomed to | You'll soon get used to the cold. |
Common mistakes
- ✗Wrong: I am used to get up early.✓Right: I am used to getting up early.
Quick check
Choose an answer: the explanation appears straight away.
1The recruits are looking forward to ___ home.
2Remember ___ your weapon before you leave the range.
3He stopped ___ when the doctor warned him.
4The captain let us ___ an hour early.
5She is used to ___ in hot weather.
1,045 grammar questions with explanations, in the trainer.