Verbs that require an infinitive or an -ing form in the complement

S = Subject; V = Verb; C = Complement; M = Modifier

S V C M

We had planned to go the day before yesterday

Remember that the following verbs require an infinitive in the complement: agree, decide, expect, fail, hope, intend, learn, plan, promise, refuse, want.

Avoid using an -ing form after the verbs listed. Avoid using a verb word after want.

S = Subject; V = Verb; C = Complement; M = Modifier

S V C M

He enjoys traveling by plane

Remember that the following verbs require an -ing form in the complement: admit, appreciate, avoid, consider, deny, enjoy, finish, practice, quit, regret, risk, stop.

Avoid using an infinitive after the verbs lIsted.

Forbid may be used with either an infinitive or an -ing complement, but forbid from is not idiomatic.

S = Subject; V Ph = Verb Phrase; C = Complement; M = Modifier

S V Ph C M

She forgot about canceling her appointment

Remember that the following verb phrases require an -ing form in the complement: approve of, be better off, can't help, count on, do not mind, forget about, get through, insist on, keep on, look forward to, object to, think about, think of.

Avoid using an infinitive after the verb phrases listed.

Avoid using a verb word after look forward to and object to.

EXAMPLE:

Incorrect:


She is considering not to go.

Correct:


She is considering not going.