A2 · Lesson 28 · 20 min
Infinitives and common verb patterns
In this lesson
- I can use want, need and decide with to + verb.
- I can use enjoy and finish with -ing, and use to + verb for purpose.
Grammar in context
Leila is planning a busy Saturday. She wants to buy a birthday present, but she needs to finish her homework first. Later, she decides to meet her cousin at the shopping centre. She enjoys looking in bookshops and goes to the café to have a drink.
Which verbs are followed by to + verb, and which verb is followed by -ing?
Want, need and decide + to
Use want, need and decide with to + the base verb when you talk about an intended action. Want talks about something you would like to do. Need shows that an action is necessary. Decide shows that you choose a plan. In negatives, use don't or doesn't before the first verb. For questions, use do or does.
- I want to learn Italian this year.
- Does Omar need to call his manager today?
Enjoy and finish + -ing
Use enjoy and finish before a verb ending in -ing. Enjoy says an activity is pleasant. Finish says an activity is complete. We do not normally say enjoy to do or finish to do with these meanings. The -ing verb can describe work, hobbies or everyday tasks. Use don't or doesn't to make a negative sentence.
- Mia enjoys cooking for her friends.
- We finished cleaning the kitchen at six.
To + verb for a purpose
Use to + the base verb to say why someone does something. This is called an infinitive of purpose. It often answers the question Why? The first action happens because the person has a purpose. Keep the two actions clear: go, use, call or stop can come before to + verb.
- I went to the library to print my form.
- Ken uses a calendar to remember appointments.
Common mistakes
Compare the incorrect and corrected forms.
Avoid
I want going to the market.
Use
I want to go to the market.
Want is followed by to + the base verb, not -ing.
Avoid
They finished to paint the fence.
Use
They finished painting the fence.
Finish is followed by a verb ending in -ing.
Put it into practice
Try the exercises, write your own examples and check your understanding.