B1 PRELIMINARY · GRAMMAR · READING PART 6 & WRITING

Verb + -ing or verb + to

Some verbs are followed by -ing (enjoy swimming), others by to (want to go).

Finn the puffin with glasses and a book, your grammar teacher

Finn says

This is one of the most common reasons for small mistakes in Writing and Speaking. The good news is that you can learn the most common verbs in two short lists.

Verb + -ing

Mostly verbs of liking and disliking, and some others.

Common verbs

enjoy, like, love, hate, mind, finish, stop, practise, suggest

I enjoy cooking for my friends.

After prepositions

interested in, good at, before, after, without + -ing

I'm good at drawing. Wash your hands before eating.

Verb + to

Mostly verbs about plans, wishes and decisions.

Common verbs

want, would like, hope, decide, plan, learn, need, agree, forget

We decided to stay at home.

Adjective + to

It's easy / difficult / important to …

It's important to sleep well before an exam.

How it comes up in Part 6

In Reading Part 6 you write one word in each gap. The missing words are often small grammar words like these.

Would you like to come to the cinema with us?

'Would like' + to + verb.

I'm really interested in learning Japanese.

'Interested in' + -ing.

Have you finished doing your homework?

'Finish' + -ing.

Common mistakes

✗ I want going to the beach.✓ I want to go to the beach.'Want' + to.
✗ I enjoy to read comics.✓ I enjoy reading comics.'Enjoy' + -ing.
✗ She's good at play tennis.✓ She's good at playing tennis.After a preposition (at), use -ing.

Finn's exam tip

After a preposition (in, at, of, about, without, before…) the verb is ALWAYS -ing. That rule alone will give you lots of correct answers.

Quick check

Write one word in each gap.

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