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B2 FIRST · GRAMMAR · PART 4

Verb patterns: -ing or to

Verbs followed by -ing or to, verbs with prepositions, let / make, and expressions like it's not worth + -ing.

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

Some verbs need -ing, some need to, and some need a preposition first. Part 4 tests them all the time – so let's learn them in groups!

-ing or to-infinitive?

verb + -ing
enjoy, mind, avoid, finish, consider, suggest, can't stand, can't help, feel like
Would you mind opening the window?
verb + to-infinitive
want, decide, hope, manage, afford, offer, pretend, refuse, mean
We managed to find a seat. I can't afford to buy it.
let / make + object + infinitive
no to after let and make
My parents let me stay up late.

Prepositions + -ing

After a preposition, always use -ing.

verb + preposition
succeed in, insist on, apologise for, look forward to, get used to
I'm looking forward to seeing you.
verb + object + preposition
prevent / stop someone from, congratulate someone on
The rain prevented us from going out.
Expressions
have trouble / difficulty (in), it's no use, there's no point (in), it's (not) worth
It's not worth waiting for the bus.

A change of meaning

remember / forget
+ -ing = a memory; + to = a task
I remember meeting him. Remember to lock the door.
stop
+ -ing = no more; + to = in order to
He stopped smoking. He stopped to buy a newspaper.
regret
+ -ing = sorry about the past
I regret not studying harder.

How it comes up in Part 4

In Part 4 you complete the second sentence with the key word, so that it means the same as the first one (2–5 words).

I can't wait to visit my cousins next summer.
FORWARD
I'm looking forward to visiting my cousins next summer.

Look forward to + -ing: 'to' is a preposition here.

Please could you close the door?
MIND
Would you mind closing the door?

Would you mind + -ing?

Waiting for the bus is a waste of time.
WORTH
It's not worth waiting for the bus.

It's (not) worth + -ing.

Common mistakes

  • ✗ I look forward to hear from you.✓ I look forward to hearing from you.'To' is a preposition here, so use -ing.
  • ✗ Do you mind to wait a moment?✓ Do you mind waiting a moment?'Mind' is followed by -ing.
  • ✗ She made me to tidy my room.✓ She made me tidy my room.Make / let + person + infinitive without 'to'.
Finn the puffin, smiling kindly
Finn's exam tip

When you see a preposition (in, on, for, of, from – or 'to' in 'look forward to'), write -ing straight after it. Learn verbs in small groups: enjoy, mind, avoid + -ing; want, decide, manage + to.

Quick check

Complete the second sentence so that it means the same as the first. Use the key word and write 2–5 words.

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