• How to master -ing verbs in English - To -ing or not to -ing, that is the question...

This is one of those common parts of English grammar that plenty of people struggle with, so let's have a look at some examples:

- If you’re Mr Bean then you’re making people laugh.

- But maybe you prefer…watching romantic films.

Or perhaps your sister loves…feeling the fear of horror.

Sometimes your cousin may hate…missing out on trips to the cinema or can’t resist…complaining about the cost.

Can your dad cope with…doing 2 things at once?

Or what about you? - Do you enjoy...spending time in the garden? - My brother can't stand...being stuck indoors all the time!

     The secret to when to use -ing on verbs in English or not, is to ask:

Ø  Are you using the Present Continuous?

Ø  Are you talking about Feelings, Opinions or Emotions?

Ø  After the ‘feeling’, ‘opinion’ or ‘emotion’ word have you got another verb?

-        So, what about when you should not use -ing?:

v  If you are talking in a present simple tense.

v  If you don’t need another verb after the first one.

v  If you are using ‘to’ with the first verb (usually!).

Let's look at some examples...

1.     I go there every Wednesday with my friend, Kate.

2.     I like Paul because he’s always kind to her.

3.     I hate the cold, so I wear a warm coat when I go out.

4.     She doesn’t want to go to Asda’s today.

5.     He doesn’t need to take the bus, it’s only a short walk.

6.     He says it’s difficult to learn Japanese.

7.     Adam gets annoyed with Sheila when she decides to stop and chat.