ing form and infinitive

Infinitive or -ing?

Sometimes we need to decide whether to use a verb in its:

-ing form (doing, singing)

or

infinitive form (to do, to sing).

For example, only one of the following sentences is correct. Which one?

I dislike working late. (???)

I dislike to work late. (???)

When to use the infinitive

The infinitive form is used after certain verbs:

- forget, help, learn, teach, train

- choose, expect, hope, need, offer, want, would like

- agree, encourage, pretend, promise

- allow, can/can't afford, decide, manage, mean, refuse

I forgot to close the window.

Mary needs to leave early.

Why are they encouraged to learn English?

We can't afford to take a long holiday.

The infinitive form is always used after adjectives, for example:

- disappointed, glad, happy, pleased, relieved, sad, surprised

I was happy to help them.

She will be delighted to see you.

This includes too + adjective:

The water was too cold to swim in.

Is your coffee too hot to drink?

The infinitive form is used after adjective + enough:

He was strong enough to lift it.

She is rich enough to buy two.

When to use -ing

The -ing form is used when the word is the subject of a sentence or clause:

Swimming is good exercise.

Doctors say that smoking is bad for you.

The -ing form is used after a preposition:

I look forward to meeting you.

They left without saying "Goodbye."

The -ing form is used after certain verbs:

- avoid, dislike, enjoy, finish, give up, mind/not mind, practise

I dislike getting up early.

Would you mind opening the window?

Some verbs can be followed by the -ing form or the infinitive without a big change in meaning: begin, continue, hate, intend, like, love, prefer, propose, start.

It started to rain.

It started raining.

I like to play tennis.

I like playing tennis.