Lesson

Verb + -ing - Enjoy doing, stop doing

Verbs + gerund

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

Verb + -ing: enjoy / stop + -ing

This lesson explains when and how certain verbs are followed by a verb in the -ing form (the gerund). You will learn the pattern with verbs like enjoy and stop, and the difference in meaning between stop + -ing and stop + to + verb.

  • Some verbs are followed by a gerund (verb + -ing): enjoy, stop, avoid, consider.
  • Gerunds act like nouns and can be subjects or objects: 'Reading is useful.' 'I enjoy reading.'
  • Important contrast: 'stop + -ing' = cease an activity; 'stop + to + base verb' = pause one action in order to do another.

Table

Common patterns: Verb + -ing

Structure Meaning Example
enjoy + -ing Like doing an activity I enjoy preparing client reports.
stop + -ing Cease an activity He stopped using the old system after the update.
stop + to + base verb Pause one action in order to do another He stopped to answer the phone.
avoid / consider / finish + -ing Common verbs followed by gerunds We considered expanding the team.

Tip

Key rule: Verbs that take -ing

Remember these points when you use the -ing form after verbs:

  • Use gerund after verbs like enjoy, avoid, consider, finish, suggest: 'She suggested meeting at 3.'
  • Use 'stop + -ing' to mean 'cease doing something': 'They stopped working at 6.'
  • Use 'stop + to + verb' to mean 'pause one action in order to do another': 'They stopped to check the map.'
  • Gerunds can function as nouns (subject/object) so they behave like nouns in the sentence.

Focus on meaning: choose gerund or infinitive based on the verb and the intended sense.

Example

Examples in context

I enjoy preparing client reports after the meeting.

She stopped using the old software once the company upgraded.

We stopped to discuss the contract terms with the legal team.

They avoid making assumptions during negotiations.

Tip

Common mistakes to avoid

Watch out for these universal errors when using gerunds and infinitives:

  • Confusing gerund and infinitive after verbs: some verbs take gerunds, others take infinitives.
  • Using 'stop to + -ing' incorrectly — remember the meaning difference between 'stop + -ing' and 'stop + to + verb'.
  • Wrong word order: gerunds behave as nouns, so check articles and modifiers accordingly.
  • Forgetting that some multi-word verbs require -ing after a preposition (e.g. 'look forward to meeting').

If unsure, check a dictionary or list of verb patterns and test the sentence for intended meaning.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Focus on the verb form that follows 'enjoy'.

Quiz

Complete: She enjoys _____ client meetings.

Hint: Think about the verb form that follows 'enjoys'.

Quiz

Which sentence means 'pause one action in order to do another'?

Hint: Think about whether the action is ceased or paused to do something else.

Key Points

Vocabulary

enjoy

verb CEFR B1 //ɪnˈdʒɔɪ//

to take pleasure in an activity

I enjoy preparing presentations for clients.

Vocabulary

stop

verb CEFR B1 //stɒp//

to cease doing something or to pause an activity

They stopped using the legacy system last month.

GrammarPoint

gerund

noun CEFR B2 //ˈdʒɛrənd//

a verb form ending in -ing that functions as a noun

Reading industry reports helps my strategy.

GrammarPoint

infinitive

noun CEFR B2 //ɪnˈfɪnɪtɪv//

the base form of a verb often preceded by 'to' (to + verb)

We need to decide to hire external consultants.

Vocabulary

avoid

verb CEFR B1 //əˈvɔɪd//

to keep away from or not do something

We avoid disclosing sensitive data in emails.

Expression

look forward to

phrasal verb CEFR B1 //lʊk ˈfɔːrwərd tuː//

to anticipate with pleasure (requires gerund after 'to')

I look forward to meeting the new project team.