Gerunds and infinitives
Common verbs are followed by either an -ing form or an infinitive, and the pattern must be learned with the verb.
Learning goal: Gerunds and infinitives
Use frequent B1 patterns after enjoy, avoid, decide, promise and suggest.
In a nutshell
Common verbs are followed by either an -ing form or an infinitive, and the pattern must be learned with the verb.
When do we use it?
Use frequent B1 patterns after enjoy, avoid, decide, promise and suggest.
Pattern
Form
Use enjoy/avoid/suggest + -ing and decide/promise + to-infinitive.
- I enjoy reading.
- She avoided answering.
- We decided to leave.
- He promised to call.
Examples
Key contrast
Read the whole context and identify the time, meaning, noun type or sentence structure before choosing.
Watch out
Common mistakes
I enjoy to read.→ I enjoy reading.She decided leaving.→ She decided to leave.
Key takeaway
Remember
Common verbs are followed by either an -ing form or an infinitive, and the pattern must be learned with the verb.
Self-check
Quick check
- Find the grammar clue.
- Check the subject and verb form.
- Confirm that the answer fits both structure and meaning.
Put it into practice
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A short interactive practice session with instant feedback — about 10 questions calibrated to C1 Advanced.
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