What are To V and Ving? The usage of To V and Ving In English
I. What is V-ing?
What is Ving? Ving is a very basic grammar form, formed by the verb + "ing", often used to create phrases to describe actions. This structure can be used in various forms within a sentence, such as part of the present continuous tense, as a verb in a verb phrase, or as part of a noun phrase. For example:
Kevin is reading “The Old Man and the Sea”.
Linda is flying to Québec tomorrow.
1. V-ing serves as a gerund
Gerund is a form of a verb that is created by adding "-ing" to the end of the verb and is used as a noun in a sentence. It often describes an action and can be used as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Here are some examples of the functions of gerunds in a sentence.
2. V-ing serves as a verb
When used as a verb in English, V-ing often indicates an action in progress or a temporary state and is commonly used in progressive tenses. For example:
She is swimming in the pool.
They were playing soccer.
II. What is To V?
Next, let's explore the theory of To V (infinitive verb) with PREP to understand how to use To V and Ving to learn English effectively!
1. Definition
"To Verb" (To V) is a form of a verb created by adding "to" before a base verb. For example:
Run → To run. For example: Do you know how to run this sort of machinery?
Sleep → To sleep. For example: You will find that your baby usually goes to sleep after a feed.
2. Usage
To V is usually used in the following structures
III. Verbs that can be used with both To V and Ving
To V and Ving can be combined with the same verbs, but their meanings will differ. Let's explore the verbs that can be used with both To V and Ving in the table below:
IV. Exercises on To V and Ving with detailed answers
Let's do some practice exercises below to review the theoretical knowledge of To V and Ving that we have learned!
Exercise: Fill in the correct form of the word: To V or Ving?
Do they feel like (go)_______ to the theatre on Friday?
She spent a lot of time (make)_______ a birthday cake for him.
She agreed (see)_______ me at ten o’clock
We promised (read) _______our report today
She suggests (pay) _______by check, it’s safer than cash
She offered (make) _______dinner for us.
She put off (see) _______him until very late in the afternoon.
We refused (pay) _______for the repairs.
You’ve finished (read)_______ that book at last!
They decided (go)_______ to the cinema instead
She enjoyed the play. The (act)_______ was very awesome.
I love going to my class, her (teach) _______is never boring.
She’s my favourite writer, her(write) _______is wonderful.
Her (complain)_______ is getting on my nerves. She’s never happy.
We have terrible debts. Our (spend) _______is out of control
Answer keys:
You must have mastered the usage of To V and Ving in English. If you want to conquer more grammar topics, don't forget to refer to the following courses by PREP: