Gerund Basics: verb + -ing vs Infinitive
- Know which verbs take -ing (like, enjoy, finish) and which take to (want, need, would like).
- TR: Hangi fiillerin -ing, hangilerinin to aldığını bilmek.
- Success check: say two -ing likes and two to wants about yourself.
- TR: Bu derste edatlardan sonra -ing kuralını öğreneceksin.
Start the 8-question quizAdapts to your answers · every miss links back to the rule
Rule in 60 secondsThe one pattern to memorise.
- -ing group: like, love, hate, enjoy, finish, mind, keep, practise, avoid.
- to group: want, need, decide, plan, hope, try, learn, would like.
- After prepositions always -ing: good at swimming, afraid of flying.
- TR: Edatlardan sonra hep -ing: interested in reading. want/need/decide + to.
- -ing list: like, love, hate, enjoy, finish, mind, keep and avoid.
- to list: want, need, decide, plan, hope, learn and would like.
- Prep rule: a preposition never takes to + verb — always -ing.
FormsHow it looks in sentences.
| Pattern | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| verb + -ing | enjoy/like/finish + V-ing | I enjoy swimming. |
| verb + to | want/need/decide + to V | I want to swim. |
| would like + to | ’d like + to V | I'd like to swim. |
| prep + -ing | prep + V-ing | She is good at drawing. |
- like + -ing (general pleasure) vs would like + to (specific wish now): I like tea / I'd like a tea.
- go + -ing for activities: go shopping, go swimming, go hiking.
- TR: like + -ing genel zevk; would like + to şu anki istek. Aktiviteler: go swimming.
- Tea test: I like tea (general) / I'd like a tea (now).
- Activity go: go shopping, go swimming and go hiking.
3 classic trapsWhere Turkish speakers slip.
- want + -ing: ❌ *I want going.* → ✅ *I want to go.* (TR: want/need + to alır.)
- Preposition + to-verb: ❌ *I'm good at to draw.* → ✅ *I'm good at drawing.* (TR: Edattan sonra -ing.)
- would like + -ing: ❌ *I'd like going now.* → ✅ *I'd like to go now.* (TR: would like + to.)
10 example sentencesRead aloud, twice.
- I like reading novels. — Roman okumayı severim.
- She enjoys cooking. — Yemek yapmaktan keyif alır.
- They finished cleaning at 8. — Saat 8'de temizliği bitirdiler.
- I want to learn Spanish. — İspanyolca öğrenmek istiyorum.
- We need to hurry. — Acele etmemiz gerek.
- He decided to stay home. — Evde kalmaya karar verdi.
- I'd like to drink tea. — Çay içmek isterim — şu anki istek.
- She is afraid of flying. — Uçmaktan korkar.
- Let's go shopping on Saturday. — Cumartesi alışverişe gidelim.
- Keep trying — you will pass. — Denemeye devam et — geçeceksin.
Quick checkCover the answers, say yours first.
- Q1: Fill in: She enjoys ___ (dance).
- Q2: Fill in: They want ___ (visit) us.
- Q3: Correct the error: *He is interested in to play chess.*
- Q4: Choose: "I'd like ___ tea." (a tea / to tea → write full form)
- Q5: True or false: "I need going home." is correct.
- Q6: Fill in: He avoids ___ (drive) at night.
<summary>Answers</summary> - A1: dancing - A2: to visit - A3: He is interested in playing chess. - A4: I'd like to drink tea. (would like + to + verb) - A5: False — "I need to go home." - A6: driving.