Like, Love, Hate + Verb-ing
After verbs of liking and disliking such as like, love, enjoy, and hate, we usually use the -ing form of the next verb to talk about activities in general.
Level A2
Verbs & Verb Patterns
Summary
- After verbs of liking and disliking such as like, love, enjoy, and hate, we usually use the -ing form of the next verb to talk about activities in general.
Structure
subject + like/love/hate/enjoy + verb-ing
Examples
- I love swimming in the sea.
- She hates waiting in queues.
- We enjoy cooking together.
- They like watching old films.
Common mistakes
- • Using the base form, e.g. 'I enjoy swim' instead of 'I enjoy swimming'.
- • Forgetting that 'enjoy' is never followed by 'to', e.g. 'enjoy to read' instead of 'enjoy reading'.
More verbs & verb patterns
Used To (Past Habits and States)
A2
Use 'used to' to talk about habits or states that were true in the past but are not true now.
Gerunds vs Infinitives
B2
Some verbs are followed by a gerund (-ing form) and others by an infinitive (to + verb). The choice depends on the first verb, and a few verbs change meaning depending on which form follows.
Phrasal Verbs (Introduction)
B1
A phrasal verb is a verb combined with a particle (like up, off, on, out) that often creates a new meaning. Some can be separated by their object, and some cannot.
Have Got
A2
'Have got' is a common British way to talk about possession, relationships, and characteristics. It means the same as 'have' but forms questions and negatives without 'do'.
Imperatives
A1
Imperatives give orders, instructions, invitations, and warnings. They use the base form of the verb with no subject; for negatives, put 'don't' first.
Be: Present Forms
A1
The verb 'be' has three present forms: am, is, and are. It links the subject to a description, identity, or location.