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When two verbs follow each other: infinitive or -ing? - English lesson

When two verbs follow each other

1. The basic question

When one verb (V1) is followed by a second verb (V2), what form does the second verb take?

Depending on the first verb and the meaning of the sentence, the second verb can take one of three forms:

- The infinitive with "to": "to leave"
- The infinitive without "to": "leave"
- The "-ing" form: "leaving"

You need to learn which construction is used with each verb.

2. MAKE and LET

In active sentences, "make" and "let" are generally followed by a person or thing and then an infinitive without "to".

Subject 1 + make/let + object + verb without "to" + complements

Examples:

- "Peter makes me do things I want to do."
- "Did your parents make you wear this suit?"
- "They let their dog walk alone in the street."
- "Did Lucile let you write this letter?"

Important: In the passive voice, "make" is followed by "to" + infinitive.

Example: "I was made to wait."

3. WANT

There are two main constructions with "want".

A. When the person performing the second action is not mentioned separately

Subject 1 + want + to + verb + complements

Examples:

- "Peter wants to cut the grass."
- "Does Peter want to cut the grass?"

B. When another person performs the second action

Subject 1 + want + object + to + verb + complements

| Peter | wants | me | to | cut | the grass. |
| Did Peter | want | me | to | write | this letter? |

Examples:

- "Peter wants me to cut the grass."
- "Did Peter want me to write this letter?"

4. ASK, EXPECT, TELL and WOULD LIKE

These verbs can be followed by an object referring to the person who performs the second action, followed by "to" + infinitive.

Subject 1 + verb 1 + object + to + verb 2

| Peter | asks | me | to | cut | the grass. |
| Peter | tells | me | to | cut | the grass. |
| Peter | expects | me | to | cut | the grass. |
| Peter | would like | his wife | to | cut | the grass. |

Examples:

- "Peter asks me to cut the grass."
- "Peter tells me to cut the grass."
- "Peter expects me to cut the grass."
- "Peter would like his wife to cut the grass."

In questions, the auxiliary comes first:

"Does Peter ask me to cut the grass?"

Important: "Like" does not always follow this construction. You can also say "I like swimming" or "I like to swim". The construction depends on the meaning and structure of the sentence.

5. SEE and HEAR

"See" and "hear" can be followed by an object and either:

- The infinitive without "to"
- The "-ing" form

The choice depends on how the action is presented.

A. SEE / HEAR + object + verb without "to"

This construction generally presents the action as a whole.

- "I saw Peter get into a car."
- "Did you hear him leave?"

B. SEE / HEAR + object + verb in "-ing"

This construction emphasizes an action in progress when it is seen or heard.

- "I saw Peter getting into a car."
- "I heard the children playing outside."

Important: Both constructions can sometimes describe the same situation. The difference is not an absolute rule: it concerns how the speaker presents the action.

6. REMEMBER, FORGET and REGRET

These three verbs can be followed by either "to" + infinitive or the "-ing" form. The meaning changes according to the construction.

A. REMEMBER

Remember + to + infinitive: to remember that you must do something.

- "Please remember to buy this book."

You remember that you need to do something and then do it.

Remember + verb in "-ing": to remember doing something.

- "I remember buying this book, but I can't find it."
- "Do you remember coming here?"

The action has already happened when you remember it.

B. FORGET

Forget + to + infinitive: to fail to remember to do something.

- "He forgot to call his manager."

Forget + verb in "-ing": to forget that you have already done something.

- "He forgot calling his manager."

This second construction is possible, but it is less common in everyday situations. "Forget + to + infinitive" is often used when someone fails to do something they were supposed to do.

C. REGRET

Regret + to + infinitive: to be sorry that you have to say or announce something, often in a formal context.

- "I regret to inform you that you are fired."

Regret + verb in "-ing": to be sorry about something you have already done.

- "I regret telling him the truth."

The difference is not simply about chronology. The construction depends on the meaning you want to express.

Choose the right verb.

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1. I enjoy early because the mornings are peaceful.

2. I remember this lesson yesterday; I can still recall the examples we studied.

3. I'll let you to your appointment now. You have my permission to leave.

4. He forgot his manager for instructions, so he didn't know what to do.

5. I avoid in the river when the current is strong.

6. I regret this car last month. It has broken down twice already.

7. I would like you your hands on the table before we begin the test.

8. Do you want me you this book so you can read it?

9. I love him; he makes everybody .

10. Please, let me with you. I don't want to stay here alone.

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