Stop Doing or Stop to Do? Easy Guide to Verbs Followed by -ing or To + Verb
+ practice exercises at the end
Have you ever asked yourself, “Should I use -ing or to + verb here?” This lesson will help you choose the right form after a verb in real sentences.
In grammar books, this topic is called gerunds (-ing) and infinitives (to), but we’ll explain it in clear, simple language, with lots of examples and practice.
- See when to use verb + -ing and when to use verb + to + verb in everyday English
- Learn common verbs that are followed by -ing or to + verb, and verbs that can take both
- Understand confusing pairs like stop doing vs stop to do with clear examples
- Practise with exercises so you can feel confident using these verb patterns
What Are Verbs Followed by -ing or To + Verb?
Many English verbs must be followed by either -ing (called a gerund) or to + verb (called an infinitive), and choosing the wrong one changes your meaning or makes your sentence incorrect. For example, you enjoy travelling (correct) but want to travel (correct) — never want travelling (incorrect). The good news? Once you learn the most common patterns, you'll get 90% of sentences right automatically. This lesson breaks it down into three simple groups with everyday examples so you can spot the pattern instantly.
And where does this confusion come from?
English doesn't follow one simple rule — different verbs just "like" different forms after them. It's like some people prefer coffee (-ing) and others prefer tea (to + verb). Your job is to learn which verbs prefer which "drink," and soon it becomes automatic.
Attention: Some Verbs Actually Love Both Forms ("Drinks")
Some verbs are extra tricky — they happily take both -ing AND to + verb, but the meaning completely changes! Examples:
Stop smoking = quit the habit forever
Stop to smoke = you pause what you're doing to have a cigarette
(Remember, try, like, regret do this too.) We'll cover these "two-meaning" verbs with clear examples later. Knowing this upfront shows you the rules aren't random — they're about intention and context.
Ready for the Patterns? Here's the Key to Success
Before we look at the patterns, remember this golden rule: most verbs have a "favorite" form you'll see 80-90% of the time, but a few flexible ones work both ways too without changes in meaning. Learn the main patterns first (your reliable defaults), then discover which of those verbs give you extra freedom!
Patterns for Verbs + -ing
Let's keep it simple and learn one group at a time. Here are the 3 most reliable patterns for verbs that love -ing — with everyday examples:
Pattern 1: Feelings & Preferences → Use -ing
These verbs express how you feel about an action:
- enjoy reading (you like it)
- love cooking (positive feeling)
- hate waiting (negative feeling)
- avoid driving in traffic (you try to prevent it)
Quick tip: If it's about emotion → add -ing.
Pattern 2: Starting/Continuing Actions → Use -ing
These describe ongoing processes:
- start learning English
- keep practicing daily
- continue working late
- finish writing the report
Quick tip: Process words → -ing.
Pattern 3: Communication about Actions → Use -ing
Talking about what someone does:
- consider changing jobs
- suggest calling the client
- admit making a mistake
- deny knowing the facts
Quick tip: Discussing actions → -ing.
Next: We'll cover to + verb patterns with the same clear structure. These are your "thinking/planning" verbs!
Patterns for Verbs + To + Verb
Now let's tackle the to + verb group. These verbs usually express thinking, planning, or future intention. Here are the 3 most reliable patterns — with everyday examples:
Pattern 1: Wanting/Needing → Use to + verb
These show desire or necessity for future action:
- want to learn English (future goal)
- need to call the boss (obligation)
- hope to visit London (wish)
- plan to start a business (intention)
Quick tip: Future desire → to + verb.
Pattern 2: Agreeing/Deciding → Use to + verb
These involve choices or commitments:
- agree to help with the project
- decide to change careers
- promise to finish on time
- offer to drive everyone
Quick tip: Making decisions → to + verb.
Pattern 3: Learning/Attempting → Use to + verb
These focus on acquiring skills or trying:
- learn to speak fluently
- choose to study abroad
- manage to find the solution
- fail to understand the instructions
Quick tip: Skill-building or effort → to + verb.
Next: We'll learn those tricky verbs that take both forms (with meaning changes). Ready?
Tricky Verbs: Both -ing AND To + Verb (Meaning Changes!)
Now for the exciting (and confusing) part! Some verbs happily take both -ing and to + verb, but the meaning shifts completely. Here are the 3 most common culprits with clear examples:
1. STOP
Stop + -ing = quit the habit (end it permanently)
I stopped smoking last year. (= I quit)
Stop + to + verb = pause for that action
I stopped to smoke during the drive. (= paused for a cigarette)
2. REMEMBER
Remember + -ing = recall doing it (past memory)
I remember locking the door. (= I recall the action)
Remember + to + verb = don't forget future action
Remember to lock the door! (= future reminder)
Quick tip: Picture the timeline — past memory/completed action = -ing. Future intention/pause = to + verb.
3. TRY
Try + -ing = experiment/test something
Try adding lemon to the tea. (= test if it works)
Try + to + verb = make an effort (may fail)
I tried to open the jar. (= struggled)
Same word, different stories!
Verbs That Work with Both -ing AND To + Verb (No Big Meaning Change)
Practice Tips: Make These Patterns Stick Forever
1. LIKE / LOVE / HATE
- Like/love/hate + -ing = general enjoyment
I like swimming. (= in general)
- Like/love/hate + to + verb = specific preference
I like to swim in the morning. (= this situation)
2. START / BEGIN / CONTINUE
- It started raining. or It started to rain. (both perfect!)
- She continued working. or She continued to work. (no difference)
3. CAN'T STAND / CAN'T BEAR
- I can't bear being ignored." or "I can't bear to be ignored.
- I can't stand waiting. or I can't stand to wait. (same meaning)
Quick tip: In conversation, native speakers mix both freely. Choose whichever sounds better to your ear!
In writing, stick to the patterns above!
1. Create Your Own Sentences (Personalization Method)
Write 3 sentences about your life using each pattern:
Feelings: "I enjoy _____ing because..."
Planning: "I want to _____ because..."
Personal sentences stick 5x better than generic examples.
2. Daily Read and Listen
Notice how native speakers use these verbs:
When reading emails/news, underline verbs + what follows:
News: "The government decided to increase taxes"
Email: "I avoid calling during lunch"
3. Simple Self-Recording Practice: Record, Listen, Master + Speak
Example sentences to record right now and build strong memory
"I enjoy learning English every day."
"I want to improve my business vocabulary."
"I stopped to check my emails during lunch."
"I can't afford to buy new software this month."
"I like working from home sometimes."
Don’t be afraid to speak! Practice with friends or teachers and ask for feedback.
4. Use Online Resources
There are many free exercises and quizzes to help you master these patterns.
Important
Always check a reliable dictionary or grammar guide if you’re unsure which structure to use. Using the correct form will help you sound more fluent and professional.
Ready to put your knowledge into action? Try These Advanced English Practice Questions
Practice Exercises: Verbs Followed by -ing or To + Verb
Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Form (-ing or to + verb)
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in parentheses.
I enjoy ________ (read) books in my free time.
She decided ________ (take) a day off tomorrow.
They suggested ________ (meet) earlier to discuss the project.
We hope ________ (finish) the work by Friday.
Do you mind ________ (open) the window?
He promised ________ (call) me after the meeting.
I stopped ________ (smoke) last year.
Remember ________ (send) the email before noon.
She avoided ________ (answer) the difficult question.
They plan ________ (travel) to Japan next year.
Exercise 2: Correct the Mistake
Each sentence has a mistake with the verb form. Find and correct it.
I want learning English better.
She enjoys to cook Italian food.
We decided going to the conference.
He promised helping me with the report.
They suggested to take a break.
Do you mind to close the door?
I stopped to watch TV last night. (I mean 'quit'.)
Remember calling your mother tomorrow.
She avoided to speak about the problem.
We hope finishing the project soon.
Exercise 3: Match the Sentences
Match the sentence halves. Some sentences use -ing, others use to + verb.
- I want
- She enjoys
- They decided
- He suggested
- We hope
- Do you mind
- He promised
- I stopped
- Remember
- She avoided
a. to call you later.
b. to travel next summer.
c. meeting new people.
d. to finish the report today.
e. opening the window?
f. to take a break.
g. smoking last year.
h. to send the documents.
i. to join the team.
j. talking about politics.
Check Your Answers:
Exercise 1:
reading
to take
meeting
to finish
opening
to call
smoking
to send
answering
to travel
Exercise 2:
I want to learn English better.
She enjoys cooking Italian food.
We decided to go to the conference.
He promised to help me with the report.
They suggested taking a break.
Do you mind closing the door?
I stopped watching TV last night. (If meaning is “quit watching”)
Remember to call your mother tomorrow.
She avoided speaking about the problem.
We hope to finish the project soon.
Exercise 4:
1 - i
2 - c
3 - f
4 - d
5 - b
6 - e
7 - a
8 - g
9 - h
10 - j
For more tips and resources, check out our other guides:
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