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Learn English Grammar: When to use an ‘-ING’ word after ‘TO’
Do we always use a verb afterto? The answer is NO! In this English grammar lesson, I will teach you how to can be followed by a noun, a preposition, an adjective, an adjective participle, and more. We will look at this grammatical structure in several sentences that serve different purposes. For example, we can express anticipation by saying “I look forward to meeting with you next week.” We can express a preference by saying “I prefer jogging to running.” Or we can express an obligation by saying “I need to get around to finishing my essay.” Watch the video for these and lots more useful ways to use to plus an -ing word ending.
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Test your understanding of this English lesson
Test your understanding of the English lesson by answering these questions. You will get the answers and your score at the end of the quiz.Levels
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136 COMMENTS
I wonder why I see native speakers write ‘look forward to do’ so often. Is it complicating even for you some of the time?
Hi Feles,
You’d be surprised how often native English speakers make grammar mistakes. :)
would you please tell me in question 7 of the quiz is interested to follow to learning why you use to learn is correct but you said in a video that adjective follow to verb+ing form please help me
Hi Bhareti,
That’s my mistake. I though I mentioned in this video that you can use both but they have slightly different meanings. I explained this in another video but mixed up the quiz.
interested to learn about something means that it is a real interest that you will take action to satisfy (i.e., want to learn…). Interested in learning about something is more of an idea, a wish that may or may not happen (interested about).
In question 7,you can also say Greg is interested in coding (without about).
Hope this helps a little.
thank you so much for your support by the way my name is Bharti
Sorry Bharti. Typo there :)
don’t be sorry I am just correcting my name if say sorry ifeel very sad with myself because you’r the one of best teachers in my 25year so iam admirer alot thank you so much what are doing for us you and team of engvid lot of love and blessing from india
i had the same doubt about this question!! Obrigada!
My only wrong answer was the 7th question.
To current viewers: this question has been removed from the quiz!
Thank you Adam. I am interested to learn more from you, so look forward to watching new lessons.
Iam
looking forward to watching
Your videos n reading my books as well
Awesome lesson!I had never thought about adjective participle before, you know, grammatically, as you did. I just used to notice them. This really lightened up my mind. thank you
Thanks ,it is very usefully.
Thank you so much Adam!!!
It can be very hard to differenciate between “to” as a preposition or “to” as the beginning of a infinitive phrase. I think it would be very useful to have a list of collocations such as “look forward to”, “admit to”, i.e. to know where we should use -ing after them.
I failed question number 7, thinking that it was a mistake on it, and that you forgot to write “in” as in the examples you gave us in the video (interested in doing…).
Anyway, thanks as always Mr. Adam :)
I also failed to answer this question.
Hi Knopfler,
That’s my mistake. I though I mentioned in this video that you can use both but they have slightly different meanings. I explained this in another video but mixed up the quiz.
interested to learn about something means that it is a real interest that you will take action to satisfy (i.e., want to learn…). Interested in learning about something is more of an idea, a wish that may or may not happen (interested about).
In question 7,you can also say Greg is interested in coding (without about).
Hope this helps a little.
Great! I was gonna ask you precisely that! If we could also say Greg is interested in coding…I scored 10 out of 10 maybe I got lucky or maybe you are great teacher!!
Very nice.
Thank you. Highly appreciated.
His voice is adorable! Thanks for your class.
Hard! I got 80. “Is interested” was a tricky one and “returned to teaching” still don’t get why we can not use “to teach”.I need to watch it more. Thank you Adam.Did you lose weight?
Hi Soozi,
Sometimes the lighting here changes :). I think I’m the same weight lol.
Great class, Adam! Thank you!
thnx
would you please tell me in question 7 of the quiz is interested to follow to learning why you use to learn is correct but you said in a video that adjective follow to verb+ing form please help me
Hi Dalia,
That’s my mistake. I though I mentioned in this video that you can use both but they have slightly different meanings. I explained this in another video but mixed up the quiz.
interested to learn about something means that it is a real interest that you will take action to satisfy (i.e., want to learn…). Interested in learning about something is more of an idea, a wish that may or may not happen (interested about).
In question 7,you can also say Greg is interested in coding (without about).
Hope this helps a little.
Thank you so much Adam!
I got 90. I failed question number 7.
Could you please explain this question?
And yes, you become thinner. Are you ok, Adam?
Hi Elena,
That’s my mistake. I though I mentioned in this video that you can use both but they have slightly different meanings. I explained this in another video but mixed up the quiz.
interested to learn about something means that it is a real interest that you will take action to satisfy (i.e., want to learn…). Interested in learning about something is more of an idea, a wish that may or may not happen (interested about).
In question 7,you can also say Greg is interested in coding (without about).
Hope this helps a little.
p.s. I am fine, thanks for asking :)
This is question no. 7:
Greg is interested __________ about coding, which is why he’s taking a course at the technical college.
So, it is “interested to learn” but “interested in learning”, isn’t it? Any grammatical explanation for this?
Greg, the answer is “to learn” because it is an action, not a complement. The complement in that sentence is “about coding”. I guess each sentence only needs one complement, not two.
I also failed that question. But I think it’s because “interest” is a transitive verb. As Adam explains at the end of the video with the verb “need” infinitives can be used as objects.
Hi Aso202,
That’s my mistake. I though I mentioned in this video that you can use both but they have slightly different meanings. I explained this in another video but mixed up the quiz.
interested to learn about something means that it is a real interest that you will take action to satisfy (i.e., want to learn…). Interested in learning about something is more of an idea, a wish that may or may not happen (interested about).
In question 7,you can also say Greg is interested in coding (without about).
Hope this helps a little.
Thanks a million, Adam, for all the things you do for us. Everyday.
8/10. Thank you Adam.( Older people are not used to shopping online) In this sentence “not” should not be there.
Not sure what you mean, Jasmine.
In the question 7 the answer
To learn’is correct because in the sentence the following phrase after to learn is ‘about coding’ preposition + ing
That’s right Srija.
Just in case, I have been posting this as well:
That’s my mistake. I though I mentioned in this video that you can use both but they have slightly different meanings. I explained this in another video but mixed up the quiz.
interested to learn about something means that it is a real interest that you will take action to satisfy (i.e., want to learn…). Interested in learning about something is more of an idea, a wish that may or may not happen (interested about).
In question 7,you can also say Greg is interested in coding (without about).
Hope this helps a little.
Can we use past tense + to + ING – like , i was used to doing it as my routine was scheduled .
Not sure about your meaning here, Humaid.
was used to and used to do are two different things.
was used to = was accustomed to
used to do = past habitual action
These two are often confused.
I got 8/10 and confusing at 7 and 9, I’m a litlle bit confusing when see your videoclip i see the example: the company is committed to providing top-quality customer care. but in the sentences 7 the correct answer is to learn that’s infinitive verb, please explain more detail, thanks
Hi Nguyen,
That’s my mistake. I though I mentioned in this video that you can use both but they have slightly different meanings. I explained this in another video but mixed up the quiz.
interested to learn about something means that it is a real interest that you will take action to satisfy (i.e., want to learn…). Interested in learning about something is more of an idea, a wish that may or may not happen (interested about).
In question 7,you can also say Greg is interested in coding (without about).
Hope this helps a little.
Thank You, teacher….!!!
hi
I didn’t understand this lesson very well
Thanks a lot, Adam! I made mistake in the sentence number 7. As far as I can see in these comments I am not alone. Anyway, it’s experience…
Hi Larisa,
That’s my mistake. I though I mentioned in this video that you can use both but they have slightly different meanings. I explained this in another video but mixed up the quiz.
interested to learn about something means that it is a real interest that you will take action to satisfy (i.e., want to learn…). Interested in learning about something is more of an idea, a wish that may or may not happen (interested about).
In question 7,you can also say Greg is interested in coding (without about).
Hope this helps a little.
Thank you for the advantageous grammatical information, we appreciate your hard work to help us.
Hi Adam , thank you very much for the valuable lesson,
I like your videos,
My question is: is it correct to say: I’m looking forward to meeting you ?
I mean grammatically
Thank you very much
Hi Daniel,
Yes, it is correct.
In TOEFL test, in the writing section, do the summary task is going to be first and the essay task in second place?
Thank you for your help
Hi Pabloif,
Yes, the integrated task comes first and then the independent task (essay).
Hello Adam,
You recommended some English grammar books in one of your videos on “Engvid” or “Write to top”. Unfortunately I can’t find the video, could you please give me a link?
Hi Gofun,
Here is the writetotop one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6moF99_qj1A&t=7s
You can search “books” in the search box here. There are a few videos here as well.
Thank you.
great class. I got 8/10/.
It’s very useful lesson to me
Hello Adam!
This lesson made me wonder how natives understand and use these structures for example:
1) The revolution has begun.
2) Number you have dialed is not available.
3) He might have said to take it outside.
Actually, I want to know how natives feel about ‘have’ in these sentences. In Russian, we don’t use ‘have’ like that. We don’t have Perfect tense at all. And when we try to speak and translate such phrases in our minds we just ignore ‘have’ and put the meaning of the past participle on the past side of the time line. Here ‘have’ doesn’t mean anything for us. Is the same true for you? Or do you understand and use these haves above like any other haves (for example: I have a car)?
It is interesting because sometimes you reduce words in sentences (He might’ve said to take it outside) like they don’t have a meaning.
And of course, we don’t use ‘have‘ in obligatory meaning, for example, I have to go through this. I have to know what you feel about it too. This ‘have’ in your mind like you have something?
Hi Alexander,
We do pay attention to the perfect as they create a time reference, a vagueness, or a complete or ongoing situation.
As far as reductions go, we do that a lot (it’s, not it is; he’s, not he is, etc.).
Many languages don’t have the perfect tense, so it’s a bit hard to understand the relationships in the sentences. For English speakers, the perfect tense says a lot. It’s important to pay attention to it.
thanks, Adam i got 8 out of 10
Hi Adam, Could you make a lesson how to use the words that end in ce and nt, such as assistant, assistance, independence, independent, difference, different etc. Thank you
Good idea, Charmbaito. I’ll see what I can do.
Hi Adam. Have you posted a video lesson
about Embedded clause?
Not yet, Kebzizal. I’ll try to get on that.
Hello, Adam! Sorry for offtop.
Which option is correct and why??
It’s ___ for five days already this week.
a) rained
b) been raining
Hi Dmitry,
B is correct because of the “for”. This suggests a continuity. If you take out “for”, then both can work.
Does this help?
Yes, Adam! Thanks a lot!
I could not watch the video after having tried so many times although I was eager to study the grammar.Hope I can watch the video tonight.
All of our videos are on YouTube, so if you are visiting from China, you will be unable to watch them.
Very nice thank you adam
Hi Sir, English learning is very tough because you cannot learn English without speaking so I need to learn English through skype if you can teach me or you can recommend any person who can teach me daily basis please advise my sky is….imranzafarsadaejars and my whatsapp 00923484520668
Thanks for your help.That’s so sad.?Only from You Tube can I watch the videos? I really like your lectures especially the grammar part. Are there any other ways I can get access to those videos?
Hi Joy,
Many Chinese students use a VPN to watch YouTube videos. Unfortunately, we do not host them on other platforms.
Joy, you can now watch many EngVid videos in China on Bilibili: https://space.bilibili.com/20420581
We will be adding more videos there every month. Many of the videos also have Chinese subtitles.
hi Adam. thanks for sharing your knowledge. i can do this 100 point.
Adam, I am confused with interested to leaning. Would it be correct if I write interested in learning something?
Hi Violetasal,
That’s my mistake. I though I mentioned in this video that you can use both but they have slightly different meanings. I explained this in another video but mixed up the quiz.
interested to learn about something means that it is a real interest that you will take action to satisfy (i.e., want to learn…). Interested in learning about something is more of an idea, a wish that may or may not happen (interested about).
In question 7,you can also say Greg is interested in coding (without about).
Hope this helps a little
Thanks everyone. Sorry for the late reply on this vid’s comments.
Also, It seems many people had a problem with question #7. I have been posting this answer for those who have had this problem:
That’s my mistake. I though I mentioned in this video that you can use both but they have slightly different meanings. I explained this in another video but mixed up the quiz.
interested to learn about something means that it is a real interest that you will take action to satisfy (i.e., want to learn…). Interested in learning about something is more of an idea, a wish that may or may not happen (interested about).
In question 7,you can also say Greg is interested in coding (without about).
Hope this helps a little
I thought I would gotten 100 score, but I made 1 mistake. I was so sure that I must choose interested to + infinitive. But, due to the topic is about to + ing, therefore I chose interested + ing. ? I’m confused
Hi Rikaprana,
See my comment above. This was a common issue for many people.
Hi dear teacher , I need to thank you for your best teaches ..I love you
Hi Adam. Could you please explain to me the meaning of the phrase ‘being filmed’ in the sentence “i object to being filmed”.Is it in the passive voice progressive form or what does the word ‘being’actually play here with a past participle verb followed by it. If someone said ‘I object to watching TV all day’ i would understand it. But I’m a bit confused with this sentence structure. Thank you again and much appreciate your work.
Hi Don,
Actually, this is a passive gerund. Remember that a gerund, though functioning as a noun, is still technically a verb, which means it can be active or passive. Being filmed is the situation; it is the object to the preposition ‘to’. to being filmed is the complement to object.
I hope this helps a little.
I got 50 it is still confusing for me :(
Thank you Adam. Love your work.
10 out of 10… Thank you Adam!
i got 8/10
I’m so happy to being here. This course is really useful for me.
Thank you!!!
Thanks Adam. Its very helpful
thanks
Thanks Mr.Adam! Your lessons have really helped me practise my Advanced english and helped me be more confident. I also understood well this lesson and that’s why I got 10 out of 10 in this quiz. Thanks for your lessons! Appreciate more new Advanced level lessons from you!!!
Greetings of Peace, Adam!
To teach the topic “to + Ving” is not so easy to non-native students. I face lots of questions asked by them and most of these are pretty challenging. This case, I need your help badly.
The most challenging question is that when ‘to’ can be used as an infinitive marker or a preposition, and how can I decide whether to put a noun (or pronoun or a gerund) or the infinitive form of a verb after ‘to’?
Maybe my question is equivalent to, for example, why “look forward to” should be followed by a gerund but not the infinitive form of a verb, or why the ‘to’ is a preposition in this phrase?
Luck
Md. Mizanur Rahman Rony
Principal
Red APPLE English Medium School
How can I take the test again? I not happy with my score. This was little confusing for me and is on of my challenge in English.
Thank you so much Adam
Adam thank you for this lessons. It’s still not clear to me why we would say:
– After many years in the corporate world, Cynthia returned to teaching in university.
and the same in the last sentence.
Thank Adam, marvellous lesson as always. Grazie!<3
Thank you Mr. Adam for a good lesson and quiz.
very helpful
Thanks a lot,
Why we can’t say “The company is committed to provide top-quality customer care” instead?
hello adam. i have a doubt, i hope you could answer me this one. thanks! after and adjective can we use an “ING” to add a complement? for example: the party is funny to having and getting friends! or they are engaged to living together! … is it correct? or It must be in infinitive form? this rule is for all the adjectives?
Hello.
could You please narrate thoroughrly about collocation “be up to”, “be up for”.
thank you v.m.
I failed 6 answers in this quiz it’s a little confusing
Hi Adam. İ need speaking with you. If you have time please you will response my comment.So, I will offer some topic.
yours faithfully.
h.hamidov@hotmail.com
I appreciate you
i have a question from this video
in this video you used “being filmed” or “being interviewed”. what are the roles of these phrases.
you said that after preposition we will have gerund or noun or active participles+noun.in which category do those phrases fall? should we consider them gerund after preposition,but i do not think that works that way.thank you again
Thanks for your explanation
“Relatively permanent but subject to forgetting “
Is this like your examples?
And when we use “are + to “??
wow got 10 out 10. I just play it by ear :)
Thank you Adam for that lesson. Was Great!
Great lesson!!!! Incredibly I did 90/100
hello sir, i am bit confused with sixth question where “driving to taking” is used, could you please elaborate that, i mean how and what type of usage is it of gerund.
oh my! only 4 are right…
was a little bit confusing can you recommend me another video relative to this one? Thank’s Adam you are fantastic.
Hello Adam,What is the meaning of” Ican’t see paying so much for a car.” I would like to have an example of I can’t see +gerund
That’s a good question! It means the same as “I can’t imagine…” and it’s used to talk about something that you don’t think is going to happen, or when you don’t understand the reason for something. In context, the sentence might look like:
“That Ferrari costs $250,000?! I can’t see paying so much for a car. It’s just going to sit in the garage most of the time.” Meaning: I don’t know why someone would pay so much for a car.
A recent news story, for example: a famous tennis player says “I can’t see tennis returning soon.” Meaning: I don’t think tennis will return soon.
That’s great. Thank you so much, Adam.
hi Adam!Your teaching is very clear and understandable.Could you please make a video about using “to be”, please note that it’s not about be verbs;am,is,are,was,were etc. As an example, “Nitrogen is the element most likely to be deficient in soil”
Mr. Adam Thank you for this great lesson!
I got 9/10. There’s a tricky quiz about No.7.
I think interested to learning should be corrected, right?
This question was a bit confusing, so it has been removed from the quiz.
Thanks.
Hello Adam, I hope you reply to my comment. Why does “need to” and “have to” use Ving? I still don’t understand it.
Sir, I am learning a lot from you, thank you so much for providing good quality education.
Thank you so much Adam!
Hello Adam✌️
Could we use just infinitive form verb instead “to + -ing” ?
Thank you
Hello Adam,
I don’t understand why the two last ones were wrong. I think you said after the adjective we put gerund or noun, but the two last ones seem not to be adjectives.
9/9! Full marks again! Thanks Adam!
For me, I’m Brazilian It is a little confused!
Hello, I just want to ask if ‘returned’ is considered as an adjective participle here due to its answer, helping.
9|9
mine date 11 Nov2021 from Kazakhstan
best regards,Adam
Please explain the following sentence:
He is given to being late.
Thank you.
At last I understand (admit to having done something wrong). All the best
Hi. I hope you are doing well. I have a question. You gave an example that after obliged to, gerund is needed. But I searched s lot in google and all the samples were written like obliged to do, no doing.
Would you please tell me about obliged to ?!
Thanks Adam a good lesson.
I get 9/9 on the quiz.
In your response “interested to learn about something means that it is a real interest that you will take action to satisfy (i.e., want to learn…). Interested in learning about something is more of an idea, a wish that may or may not happen (interested about).” ¿It happen with other verbs?
Hi, sorry could you please explain that why a gerund comes after “to” proposition in this sentence “4 secrets to having an American accent”?
Hi Adam, I got the first quiz wrong. What I am thinking is admit as a transitive verb which takes object, then ‘ to sing in the shower’ as the object that follows admit. I am really confused when use admit as transitive verb and when as a intransitive verb. Thanks for your time.
Hi Mr Adam, I concluded that if ‘to’ is answering why, It almost will be gurend and if it is answering what as you said it will be preposition so we can add ing after the verb am I right?
Thanks for the lesson. Please advise how to recognized if it is a complement or an object.
Hello Adam,
From my understanding, to see whether the “to” works as infinitive or preposition, it depends on the word before it. For example, if the word before it is intransitive verb, we use to as infinitive verb, such as “I need to repair the car”. If the word before it is adjective, “to” acts as preposition and will be followed by noun, gerund or active participle. Am I right?
Do these words “admit”/objected/returned/dedicated in those sentences work as intransitive verb or adjective?
Not many will admit to ________ in the shower.
The union objected __________ negotiations with the company.
After many years in the corporate world, Cynthia returned __________ in university.
Ms. Summers dedicated her whole life to ___________ the poor.