Verb + -ing Patterns
Learn common verbs followed by an -ing form and how meaning changes after selected verbs such as stop and remember.
Learning Objective
Verb + -ing Patterns
Use -ing complements after common verbs and recognise verbs whose meaning changes with an infinitive.
Clear Explanation
Some verbs are conventionally followed by an -ing form, including enjoy, avoid, consider, suggest, and finish. Other verbs allow different patterns with different meanings.
Form and Structure
verb + verb-ing; verb + preposition + verb-ing
“She enjoys working with children.”
Traditional labels such as gerund and participle can help describe form, but learners should focus on the construction and meaning in each context.
Meaning and Use
Verb complementation
Learn the complement pattern with the verb; do not choose -ing or to freely.
“We considered moving the deadline.”
After a preposition
A following verb normally takes -ing after a preposition.
“He apologised for arriving late.”
Meaning contrasts
With some verbs, -ing and to-infinitive express different meanings.
“She stopped smoking; she stopped to smoke.”
Common Errors and Meaning Traps
I enjoy to read history.
I enjoy reading history.
Enjoy is followed by an -ing complement.
She suggested to leave early.
She suggested leaving early.
Suggest is not normally followed by objectless to-infinitive in this meaning.
I look forward to hear from you.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Here to is a preposition, so use the -ing form.
Guided Practice
Use the grammar in context
“They suggested meeting earlier.”
“I look forward to hearing from you.”
Write sentences with enjoy, avoid, suggest, and look forward to, using an -ing form after each.
Quick Recap
Some verbs are conventionally followed by an -ing form, including enjoy, avoid, consider, suggest, and finish. Other verbs allow different patterns with different meanings.
Learn the complement pattern with the verb; do not choose -ing or to freely.
Traditional labels such as gerund and participle can help describe form, but learners should focus on the construction and meaning in each context.
Enjoy is followed by an -ing complement.
Independent Mastery Check
Complete these four checks before taking the quiz. If one feels difficult, return to the matching section and try again.
Explain the core rule in your own words without looking back at the lesson.
Find the target form in “She enjoys working with children.” and explain what it communicates in this context.
Explain why “I enjoy reading history.” is the recommended revision for “I enjoy to read history.”.
Write sentences with enjoy, avoid, suggest, and look forward to, using an -ing form after each.
Related Grammar Lessons
Aim for at least 5 out of 6 in the quiz below. For every missed answer, read the explanation, return to the relevant section, and try the quiz again.
Which statement best explains Verb + -ing Patterns?
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