Non Sapete QUANDO usare -ING o TO + Infinitive? VI SPIEGO TUTTO!!

Summary

This video script offers a detailed explanation of the subtle differences in using verbs after 'like' and 'love' in English, comparing them to their Italian counterparts. It covers when to use the infinitive or gerund after certain verbs, such as 'suggest,' 'advise,' and 'want.' The script clarifies common mistakes, such as using 'thinking of' with verbs and the proper structure for phrases like 'I think studying English is important.' It also explores variations in meaning when using verbs like 'forget' and 'stop' with either the infinitive or gerund. The lesson aims to reduce common errors and improve language fluency.

Takeaways

• 😀 After 'like,' we usually use the verb + '-ing' form, but sometimes we can use the infinitive for more specific cases.
• 😀 The difference between 'like + verb-ing' and 'like + to + verb' is subtle, but it's important to understand the context for accuracy.
• 😀 'Like + verb-ing' is used for general actions (e.g., I like cooking), while 'like + to + verb' can be used for specific instances (e.g., I like to cook on weekends).
• 😀 For precise personal preferences, the structure 'like + to + verb' can be used (e.g., I like to drink after dinner).
• 😀 The use of verbs followed by gerunds or infinitives in English often doesn't have a strict rule, so it's important to get used to the usage based on context.
• 😀 Certain verbs like 'want' and 'need' always require the infinitive form after them (e.g., 'I want to eat,' 'I need to study').
• 😀 For verbs like 'suggest' and 'advise,' the infinitive should be used after them when giving advice, but without specifying a person.
• 😀 The verb 'suggest' is used without 'to' before the action (e.g., 'I suggest going to Rome'), while 'advise' can be used with the infinitive but might require changes in structure.
• 😀 There is a key difference in meaning when using 'forget' or 'remember' with either the gerund or infinitive form, affecting the context (e.g., 'I forgot to call' vs. 'I remembered calling').
• 😀 Verbs like 'stop' can change meaning based on whether they are followed by the infinitive or gerund. For example, 'I stopped smoking' (quit) vs. 'I stopped to smoke' (took a break to smoke).
• 😀 It's essential to know that when expressing general advice or actions, the gerund form often suffices, while when specifying actions or intents, the infinitive is more suitable.

Q & A

What is the main difference between using 'like' with a verb + ing and 'like' with a verb + to?

The difference is subtle. 'Like' + verb + ing is used for general preferences (e.g., 'I like cooking'), while 'like' + verb + to can be used for more specific, personal situations (e.g., 'I like to cook on weekends').

Can 'like' always be followed by a verb + ing form in English?

Yes, 'like' can generally be followed by a verb + ing (gerund) to indicate general preferences. However, in more specific situations, 'like' can also be followed by 'to' + verb (infinitive).

What is the rule when using 'suggest' in English?

'Suggest' should be followed by the verb in its base form, not 'to'. For example, 'I suggest going to Rome,' not 'I suggest to go to Rome.'

How do you correctly use 'advise' in a sentence?

When 'advise' is a verb, it should be followed by either a verb + infinitive or just the base verb. For example, 'I advise you to go to Rome' or 'I advise going to Rome.'

What is the common mistake made with 'advise' and 'advice'?

A common mistake is confusing 'advise' (verb) and 'advice' (noun). 'Advise' is used with a verb + infinitive (e.g., 'I advise you to study'), while 'advice' is a noun and is followed by a verb + infinitive (e.g., 'I gave advice to study').

What is the structure after 'stop' when it means to cease an activity?

When 'stop' means to cease an activity, it should be followed by a verb + ing. For example, 'I stopped smoking' (I no longer smoke).

How is the verb 'stop' used when it means to pause an activity to do something else?

When 'stop' refers to pausing an activity, it is followed by the verb + infinitive. For example, 'I stopped to buy lemons' (I paused my action to buy lemons).

When do you use 'forget' and 'remember' with a gerund versus an infinitive?

When 'forget' and 'remember' refer to a past memory, they are followed by a gerund (e.g., 'I remember visiting Rome'). When referring to an action that has not yet occurred, they are followed by an infinitive (e.g., 'I forgot to buy lemons').

What happens if you use a gerund instead of an infinitive after 'want' or 'need'?

After 'want' or 'need,' an infinitive is required. For example, 'I want to go to the park' and 'I need to study.' Using a gerund here would be incorrect.

Why is there no fixed rule for when to use a verb + ing or verb + to after 'like'?

The difference between 'like' + verb + ing and 'like' + verb + to is subtle, and there is no fixed rule because it often depends on the specific context—whether it's a general preference or a more specific, personal situation.