[Mastering English Verb Patterns: Infinitives vs. Gerunds]-[Hobbies we enjoy doing]

Learning English Grammar · A2 · 2025-09-30

📋 Summary

Understanding English Verb Structures: Gerunds and Infinitives

In this episode of the BBC Learning English podcast, hosts Beth and Neil explore the common challenges English learners face when dealing with verb patterns—specifically, when to use the infinitive (to + verb) and when to use the gerund (-ing form). By analyzing personal anecdotes about hobbies and past experiences, the episode provides a practical framework for mastering these grammatical rules.

The Dilemma of Verb Combinations

When two main verbs appear consecutively in English, learners often struggle to decide which form follows the first. As the hosts point out, there is no single universal rule, making it a matter of memorization and practice. The podcast highlights two primary categories:

1. Verbs Followed by the Infinitive

Certain verbs strictly require the infinitive form (to + verb). The hosts identify key examples such as want, need, learn, decide, offer, and hope.

Example: Phil mentions he had lessons to "learn to play the guitar." Using the gerund here (e.g., "learn playing") would be grammatically incorrect.

2. Verbs Followed by the Gerund (-ing)

Conversely, other verbs require the gerund form. The episode highlights miss, enjoy, suggest, avoid, and fancy as typical verbs that must be followed by an -ing verb.

Example: Pippa says she "misses running around," and Phil notes he "didn't enjoy playing the music." These instances demonstrate the necessity of the -ing suffix after these specific verbs.

Advanced Rules for the -ing Form

Beyond simple verb-to-verb sequences, the guest expert Georgie explains three critical scenarios where the gerund is mandatory:

After Prepositions: When a verb follows a preposition, it must take the -ing form. Phil mentions having "a bit of a habit of starting a project," where "starting" follows the preposition "of." Similarly, he says he was not "good at playing," where "playing" follows the preposition "at."
Phrasal Verbs: Since phrasal verbs contain a prepositional element, they also require the gerund. Phil says he "gave up playing the guitar" because he did not enjoy his classes; "gave up" acts as the phrasal verb, necessitating "playing."
Verbs as Subjects: When a verb functions as the subject of a sentence, it must be in the -ing form. The podcast notes that "socialising was very easy" and "finding time is difficult" at university, illustrating how gerunds act as nouns in these contexts.

Conclusion and Application

Mastering these patterns is essential for natural English communication. The episode concludes by emphasizing that while there are no strict shortcuts, categorizing verbs into "infinitive-takers" and "gerund-takers" is the most effective way to improve fluency. By practicing these structures—such as "I want to eat" or "I enjoy going to work"—learners can move toward more accurate and confident language use.

🎯Key Sentences

I have a bit of a habit of starting a project and not finishing it.

I've never been able to play anything.

I miss like running around and playing and being like a child.

socialising was very easy because everyone was together.

now, finding time is difficult.

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📝Key Phrases

have a habit of

get good at

go further

clear up the difference

spend time and effort

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📖 Transcript

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