English Grammar: How to use "to" before an "-ing" verb

In this lesson, I explain how and when we use "to" before a verb with the "-ing" ending. The use of "to" before an "-ing" verb is not always correct. But it is correct in a particular case to express an emotion or action happening in the present referring to a past or future event. If this sounds complicated, have no fear! It is a simple structure once you understand how it works. And if you do our quiz at www.engvid.com/english-grammar... you will get used to using this concept in no time!
TRANSCRIPT
Hi there. My name is Emma, and in today's video, we are going to talk about something many students wonder about, and that is when we use "to" and "ing" together. Sorry. Okay, so for example... Yeah: "What???" Many students, when they see this, it "poof" their minds; they have no idea: What is this? It goes against all the rules they've learned. So I'm going to explain to you when this happens, and how we can use it. So, let's look at some examples.
This is the most common example of this you will see: "I look forward to meeting you." Notice we have our verb: "look forward", and then we have this little guy, here, "to", and then we also have "ing". Okay? So, in this case, it's very strange. We're going to learn about why this is in a moment, but before we do that, I want to tell you some of the basic rules so you can understand, first off: What am I talking about with "ing", and what am I talking about with "to"?
So let's look at the basic rules. This is all about when you have two verbs in a sentence. For example: "thank" is the first verb, and "help" is the second verb. Okay? What you will notice in English, the first rule is: Any time you have a preposition between the first verb and the second, you're going to use "ing". A preposition is a word like "for", "to", "about", "toward", "up", "down", "in", "out", all of these words that kind of tell us where something is located, these are called "prepositions". So, whenever you see a preposition after a verb, this next verb is going to end in "ing". So our example here: "I thank you for helping me."
Similarly, we have our verb: "interested", "I'm interested", so this is the verb. And we have a second verb: "learn". So, if we have a preposition after the first verb: "I'm interested in", you're going to see that the second verb is going to end in "ing". "I'm interested in learning English." So we don't say: "I'm interested in to learn English." Similarly, we don't say: "I thank you to help me." If you have a preposition like "for", "in", "out", you are going to have the second verb with "ing".
Okay, some verbs... These are verbs without prepositions. If we have two verbs and there's no preposition between them, they will be either verb with a second verb ending in "ing", or a verb plus the second verb beginning in "to". So let's look at some examples so you understand what I'm talking about.
Okay, I have here the verb "enjoy". Here's my first verb. Think of a second verb we can use. Let's say "eat". With the verb "enjoy", the verb that follows is always going to end in "ing". "I enjoy eating.", "I enjoy reading.", "I enjoy listening to music.", "I enjoy shopping." Okay? So, in this case, all... The second verb will always end in "ing". We have another example, here: "I started". "I started", let's think of a verb, any verb. "Fish". "I started fishing." So, again, this is the first verb, here's the second verb, second verb ends in "ing". I en-... Or: "I started drinking.", "I started eating my dinner." Okay?
Then we also have some verbs that you will see... Here's the first verb: "decided". The second verb does not end in "ing". "I decided to", what's a verb we can use here? "Watch". "I decided to watch TV." Okay? "I want to eat ice cream." So, in this case, we have two verbs-so verb one, verb two; verb one, verb two-the second verb begins with the word "to".
Now, other teachers on engVid have already covered this information. What you will notice is that some verbs are always like this, some verbs are always like this, and some verbs do both. It's pretty much you have to memorize: When is it "ing"...? Sorry. "ing", and when is it "to"? What we're really interested in today is this, this really confusing thing: Why is it "ing" and "to"? All right? So let's look at some more examples of this, and I will tell you the rule on when we use "ing" and "to" together.
Okay, so I've explained to you the three rules we use when we have two verbs together. Okay? Sometimes you have a verb followed by "ing", sometimes you have a verb followed by "to", and in the case of prepositions, you have a verb followed by "ing". So I've taught you these three rules. Now we're going to look at when we have both "ing" and "to" together. Okay? So, "ing" and "to" together.
So in this case, we have two verbs. The first verb is: "I look forward to". The second verb is: "meeting". Okay?

[@selfsacrifice6782]

God created Emma for teaching all people English. There is nothing hard with Emma. When I say thank you Emma for helping us it’s not enough, because You deserve more than this. I sincerely appreciate and no words can describe how I feel about you. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.

[@bananamilksuckingman1889]

Self sacrifice metaphor

[@boudafamily5010]

Excellent teacher Eman ! May God bless you

[@Mukesh20]

Gandhi's message relevant to resolving world crises. 'Relevant to' also a complete verb ?

[@franciscorutes6657]

Thanks for teach us, Emma

[@nelcinionoel890]

I enjoy listening your video on youtube emma.

[@MrZURDIN13]

These lessons are nothing but priceless. Thank you, Emma! 🙏

[@lorieivanoff6778]

Thank You! I really appreciate you taking the time to help everyone around the world. Emma, You have & will continue to help me to homeschool myself. I am teaching myself & I am the student too. Growing up I had a learning disability in school. You are really doing a great job with your examples. Please keep up the great work, & please continue to do more video on verbs etc.. Have a blessed day

[@faysalcali6794]

Okay. My online teacher, you are my best teacher who makes me understand the lessons you provide.

[@anitablanco7309]

At last, this to + ing lesson answered my problem. I didn't know this for a long time and wondered how to use it. You explained very well. It is a unit and a phrasal verb.

[@orlandoobregon4703]

1) I decided watching tv. 2) I decided to watch tv. 3) I'm looking forward to watching the Match on the tv. Am I right?

[@itzharshitarora]

same here

[@sharuk98ala]

@@orlandoobregon4703 first one is wrong.

[@carlosjosealarconborrero5217]

@@orlandoobregon4703 the thing is that the verbs are divided in three different groups, so you can't use "decided" as a verb for each case.

[@DanielPerez-kl1dy]

I really enjoy watching this class. You're the best teacher ever Emma. I got my doubts clear now. Thank you so much. 👌

[@mohammadshafiqhaidary3031]

Best teacher

[@roksanaakter4339]

me too

[@carlosmijango4173]

Hi miss Emma, thanks for the english lesson. I’m looking forward to learning new way to “greet” or start a single conversation as a native english speaker, can you do a lesson? thanks again.

[@miaowencastillo7848]

One of the best English lessons I've watch. I finally learned how to use the To / + ing / To + ing things. Thanks for covering this lesson Emma.

[@user-mt5wh4wz2m]

Can you summarize it to me please

[@ayseyurtsever2558]

Hi Emma! I am looking forward to learning more from your videos. Thank you for preparing these wonderful videos for us💕💐

[@sanaiqbal7526]

You are such an excellent teacher,Emma! And this lesson is outstanding. That will help me out to understand English in a more better way. Love you ☺

[@Cesar74206]

I knew that I love watching your classes just for your sweetheart and your smile, all funny Emma

[@rafaelricardo8948]

Why does she got 1k dislikes? This class is amazing!

[@sibappy7241]

It looks like that your sentence is incorrect.

[@worthyminutes6742]

Probably, hit by mistake!

[@diana-ry2op]

Why did she get 1k dislikes?

[@alejandrafuentes1316]

@@diana-ry2op Or why does she have 1k dislikes?

[@rVesperialGaming]

Much have F on there Dislikes.

[@renatomello4626]

Finally, I understood Why we have to put some verbs in -ing form. It's a phrasal verb issue. Thanks a lot for this explanation

[@abera1708]

ዘዘዘዘ

[@manasvinupadhyay6716]

We thank Emma for helping us in learning English. We look forward to meeting Emma. We are used to learning English here. I confessed to not getting everything though.

[@oscarchaplin1]

Thanks for helping, as you have said, this is very daunting for ESl learners, I'm pretty sure my students will get a better grip of when to use a gerund after the preposition "TO" and when not to use one. You are a real deal Mrs...cheers...

[@stephamag]

Thank you for this lesson, I didn't know when to use "ING" in some cases. 👍

[@lutheran7674]

I love your lessons,Emma. keep up the good work.

[@sallynyakurimwa2313]

I love your lessons Emma

[@icrack96]

Thank you! It helped me a lot! Its just kinda hard for me to know these specific verbs and cases to use to + ing. But thanks

[@user-eq7tc1uh9c]

Thanks for teaching Emma

[@bala1000mina]

You are awesome Emma! I've learned a lot from your tutorials! Good luck and stay safe!

[@SonNguyen-qp2qd]

Dear Emma, thank you so much for your lessons in KZbin. Thanks to your lessons that I have learned many useful things for my English. I'm so thankful for you ...

[@edvanbomfim6772]

Brilliant explanation my dear, I've ever had some doubt about this grammar point, after this accurate information I got it clear in my mind, you do have my admiration, sorry for my mistakes because I'm only a life long learner, God bless you so much.

[@emogirl638]

Thank you so much for making learning easier for everyone. :)

[@mosolesapesaleli3940]

You're amazing. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and skills.

[@englishbyteswithsiribon2391]

Amazing explanation! These -ing form verbs are rely confusing. Thank you very much for the clear explanation.

[@AiiKoable]

you're the best!!!!! I love your classes :)

[@jimchavez3392]

Hello my name is jim ; we can speak by wasap [phone]

[@garridoscar1]

Thank you Emma, that was a really useful class. I understand that is necessary to learn the phrasal verbs by heart, isn't it?

[@tarighussein7212]

Thank you Emma, I enjoy listening to your voice.

[@oneofyou9573]

Emma, thank you for teaching us and I look forward to seeing more your lessons!

[@kholiwemoyo4389]

She is really amazing

[@ahamadasaandi8872]

Hi brother, Can you help me grtting a good understanding for "to + infinitif verb" thank you indeed

[@rogeriodossantos6746]

It's just amazing, You have no idea how you opened my mind about this topic, thank you for helping me :)

[@markensonpetitmaitre4096]

Me too

[@amlelgendy4551]

wow! i'm so happy to find arbic subtitis :* thanks emma i'm watching all vedio from egypt

[@patidarinstitute]

Any way the explanation is fantastic and definitely it has increased my grammar knowledge too, I do appreciate Emma for that.

[@kanwaldipkaur8277]

A big thanks. For many years I had been trying to know why sometimes to and gerund came together .I asked many people but no body answered. Really, I am so greatful.

[@doncorleone8251]

Love you emma

[@shtash1979]

im indian but i understand your english very well. because you taught in very easy way. thanks madam for sharing knowledge.

[@umarali-jo2df]

I really like your teaching method because you always keep smile during the lecture.I learn lot of English rules and grammar. Soo thank you

[@arturindf]

I started watching your videos, are great!! Can you share a list of verbs to identify when use ing or to ? Thanks

[@anmar.alwani]

Exactly like how u explained it, , I consider (to) after look forward metaphorically to be like ( look to something) , So once the verb after (to) can be alternated by a noun , it's absolutely should be in (ing) mode ...

[@duynguyen-yc6xl]

0q 0

[@oscaryong7381]

Just a question pops out in my mind while watching your video. May I know should I say "I decided to go to Canada or I decided going to Canada." ? Which one is correct? Or is it correct to say " I decided to going to Canada." ? Thanks.

[@engvidEmma]

I decided to go to Canada

[@jonnuela6617]

I decided TO STAY IN CHINA decided NOT TO go ok now Practice

[@aadilali1510]

Can I talk with you

[@johnnypincher864]

hi hi hi :)

[@bashiiryuusuf4975]

I decided to go Canada. that is correct.

[@khanzadamir4508]

Hi sweety , i am an Arab from iraq ,i studied at university for four years , i did not learn anything , but now i am learning a lot from you . Thank you so much

[@eddylalala]

Thank you for making these great learning videos, it’s very helpful!

[@khairun5157]

Emma' I love this lesson.

[@ezequielgervasio]

Thanks for the Subtitles in Pt :")

[@alperenkarabuber5009]

Fack you men

[@dreamie101]

@@alperenkarabuber5009 cala a boca gringuinho

[@theoaa791]

Eu já ia ficar triste por não ter legendas em pt. Depois que eu vi seu comentário...

[@user-lj1zb6hv5g]

Yes😜😂😂😘💞💕💘❤👅👏🙌🌷

[@nangmaysaungmon5233]

@@alperenkarabuber5009 Don't say like that to people. It's rude.

[@rafaelbarreto8206]

Your smile is laike an ornament to your class, Emma ... ! It is so refreshing ... !

[@urielangelesgeronimo]

What incredible lesson! thank you for helping me with this issue!

[@jojo-gj2vu]

thank you very much

[@tanyahusbands7126]

T D op

[@Alejandro-eu9pk]

This will be a reminder : * Be interested in + verb (ing) * I enjoy + verb (ing) * I started + verb(ing) * Look forward to + verb (ing) * Get used to + verb (ing) * objects to + verb(ing) * resorted/confessed to + verb(ing) * Opossed to + verb(ing)

[@brilliantenglishadhamsebaiy]

Prefer (v+ing)+to+(v+ing)

[@padretommylehan5888]

When To becomes preposition and going together with other words..we can used or add Ing for the second verb👍

[@joaohax52]

@@padretommylehan5888 What kind of word do you refer to?

[@evebang0153]

It's [ to be opposed to ]

[@binodtiwari5946]

Hi Emma ! Thank you so much for this video which helped me a lot to understand confusing cases. As an English teacher from Nepal ( the land of Mt. Everest) I find your videos really helpful. I look forward to watching more videos from you.

[@rubenquirarte4733]

Emma thanks to you I have been improving a lot, I am from Mexico you are the best teacher I ever known keep up the good work God bless you

[@mariamkinen8036]

When the to is part of the structure as a preposition . The right to bearing arms... is guns. The list. Admit to object to etc.

[@BFDT-4]

Cut to the chase!!! Example first, then you can explain it. I look forward to.... ice cream eating ice cream. the verb is a phrasal verb. "To look forward to" is the verb, not just "look" or "look forward".

[@meixinlim-cv1oz]

if i say i look forward to eat ice cream，these sentences is. correct or not?

[@BFDT-4]

I look forward to eating ice cream. I look forward to seeing you soon. I look forward to being in Chicago in May.

[@ghanshyamrafukiya4906]

+BRITISH

[@medyanasradin5691]

Thank you Emma more than 5 times I watched that video, I will do again.

[@MarcioCapuera]

Really good lesson Emma! Thank you for helping out ! :)

[@Elilopez502]

thank you Emma

[@littleballs100]

Can we practise speaking on skype Anyone can contact me Aboy911

[@antoniodelima2066]

the problem is to remember it when we will write, or speak.

[@luzdeluna6883]

For that we need to practice it

[@revelandolaverdaddesconoci475]

practice and more practice, you will learn it

[@revelandolaverdaddesconoci475]

@@luzdeluna6883 exact

[@joaohax52]

It isn't hard. In the course of the time you will develop the language's feeling. By the way: the problem is remembering it when writing/speaking

[@salasalcarazazael4764]

@@joaohax52 I think both are correct. Some native English speakers say “the most important thing is to find+ something ( with the infinitive ) whereas others say the most important thing is finding+something ( in gerund) These are just some examples I hope it helps.

[@andrewwalter9769]

It's so important, Emma. Thank you very much!

[@donatndagijimana6918]

How excellent teacher you are!!! Keep on

[@ispartacus10]

Hey Emma, I've noticed a mistake in the video title - engliGh grammar. LOL Greetings from Ukraine

[@stunninglad1]

+Евгений iSpartacus Very well spotted. I didn't notice that.

[@DrFathySroor]

lol ✋😂

[@brandsplanet4381]

Really Nigga !!!

[@samanthacollins9815]

Heeey I'm from Ukraine too

[@sameermustafahraza2093]

I think it is called "IRONY" and you should look it up in a dictionary because you didn't grasp the intention from the very beginning. (lol) ;-0)

[@BeautyhealthfoodCare]

Pls clear again confused

[@towhidskynet]

1. Verb+Verb+int 2. Verb+any preposition except 'to' +Verb+ing 3. Verb+to+Verb = put it into phrasal verb test. If Verb+to+Verb+noun is right, then Verb+to is a phrasal verb and you will use Verb+to+Verb+ing. if the phrasal verb test does not make sense , then use Verb+to+Verb (no ing)

[@ameerkhan680]

Emma I love you. you are very good looking and beautiful

[@willysalien1599]

Beautyhealthfood vlogger i

[@xmchen6772]

Beautyfood vlo

[@dharampalbhargarh1316]

yes

To + ing is so confusing, but I think I finally understand it. Thank you, very useful video! :)

[@henriqueferraresso6835]

Great Class Teacher! I was looking for an explanation for that question. Love the content.

[@neekasabri9663]

What is the difference between " I start drinking..." And " I started to drink .." ?

[@johnmilton1843]

There is no difference.

[@ozil907]

The first one is in the present and the second is in the past

[@nabaddamarry7093]

Ozil correct

[@superbsuyash1466]

Neeka Sabri I STARTED DRINKING I STARTED TO DRINK they are same and in past.. I start drinking. I start to drink. They are same and in present..

[@c.d.9035]

No one would ever say "I start drinking." But it's possible to say, "I started drinking."

[@latusalihyasalim4872]

Here's a small trick. To + verb+ING: put the word situation in your head after to or ask yourself to what? That means we need something after to. Look I said something that means a thing a noun not a verb. He admitted to cheating. He admitted to (the situation of cheating) Which is a thing. I'm looking forward to meeting with you. (a situation where we meet each other) also a thing. To + infinitive : always there is an action that was done not a situation. I want to go. They asked you to come back. but you need to practice more and more because to plus ING is usually used with a certain verbs. confess or admit to doing something oppose or object to doing something be dedicated / devoted / committed to doing something; be used to / be accustomed to / adjust to doing something. phrasal verbs, like look forward to doing something or get around to doing something. If you remember these examples you'll be 90% able to understand this freaking lesson

[@morpheus759]

Your explanaition is always so clear and understandible!

[@myriamk.5509]

Thank you a lot Emma, I asked myself many questions about the use of preposition + "ing". Now it's very clear. I need to know many verbs and phasal verbs to know how to use them. See you soon

[@sersimovi]

Hottest teacher ever

[@princessaurora8994]

let's huge n kiss her 😄

[@arshadsyed6628]

Meta astriana Sariyono hug

[@rishavchatterjee2555]

Leave the planet, please!

[@tegenymusa4790]

Sergio Simoes i am from sudan put i like this women for this

[@MohammedA-zw6bl]

I like the way you think😎

[@sergionegri8454]

Why dont you simply say GERUND instead of "ing" ?

[@yannsoulet4808]

cause some don't know what a gerund is , i guess

[@prakritiupadhyay3378]

Exactly..!! That is what I was about to write a comment on. It's a basic rule of prepositions in English that prepositions are to be followed by a noun/gerund/noun phrase.

[@paulocesaralvarengaalvaren9881]

Because it isn't gerund, it don't have nothing to do with a gerund !!!

[@sergionegri8454]

+Paulo César Alvarenga Alvarenga Sorry, but you are wrong.

[@mohdzulkanienzulkanien]

-ing isnt always gerund..gerund is only for verb eating..singing..and more.. but word like 'a painting' aint using gerund bcause it works as noun..thats why saying 'i-n-g' is better to avoid mistakes

[@sultanawad9430]

Thanks a lot for this video, it was really helpful and I admired your way of teaching (explaining) .. I think English grammar is inconstant, sometimes we find some rules against the rules that we have already learned. Some grammars are confusing during the use of them , and some of them need to be memorized ! Thank you again Emma and we look forward to your next video. Bye

[@claito24]

I love Emma's lessons.., Thanks a lot. I get it easily.

[@jodedordefeno1608]

your explain confuses me.

[@Electron.63]

Same here brother

[@aukaming2011]

emma is quite pretty, dont u think

[@sameermustafahraza2093]

Yes, but there is a question mark missing. (lol) ;-0)

[@mr.j.b8925]

You speak very clearly and slowly I can understand you, maybe I'm slow learner. So, you're my favorite teacher 😘

[@mohammadsulaimanrasooly9538]

Thanks a lot Emma best teacher, for the use of " to" and " ing" very helpful.

[@germandot7958]

I am opposed to letting your videos to get down and I'll make sure to share it with my friends thanks for your effort.

[@johnkobbie3835]

I love your channel. Please keep the videos coming. Thank you for teaching English.

[@Patrick-nx9ki]

THANK YOU for your great job, from SWITZERLAND 🇨🇭👍🇺🇸🇨🇦💖💖

[@dextoor]

Super nice! I love writing - so glad I stumbled across this channel. And I love your Canuck accent!

[@guaracycunha86]

maravilhosa sua explicação, muito obrigada

[@ninamaya9599]

Thank you, I've been searching for this lesson for along!

[@rolandflabber5497]

Excellent explanation. Thank you, Emma.

[@sharifulislam3051]

Thank you for your instructive video about using, ing and others verb.

[@mirlaangel2047]

Wow!!! I never realized it! I just memorized the words together, know I understand why? Thank you Emma!

[@iwonajablonska2639]

Wow, I never realized it! I just memorized the words together now I know why, I understand why. 🤣🤣🤣 *Same though!*

[@taherelsayed8044]

t's so important, Emma. Thank you very much!

[@lilian2616]

It's very clear, and it's also easy to understand. Thank you so much.

[@josejuarez119]

Thank you Emma. This vídeo was excelent

[@USIEL92]

You are amazing!! I love your class.

[@sattamdatta8921]

“Continuous effort - not strength or intelligence - is the key to unlocking our potential.” - Winston Churchill. Thank you so much. Now I understand that how it is grammatically right. "Key to" is a phrasal verb.

[@nhb_roger7224]

Congatulations, Emma, for the easy way you teach.

[@christiandufourmentel3237]

Nice audio video sequence. I wish to share it on my "Facebook page" so that my fellow members may figure out much more about "to" before an "-ing" verb. Thank you indeed.

[@ll5584]

Christian, hi, what about To be calling/ to be talking/ to be reading ...example : "sorry to be calling you this late " Or : he is going to be reading the whole book... When do we use : To be calling/ to be talking / to be playing.....? ( With : To be + V + ing) Thanks

[@tiffanykibria3197]

This woderful ladys teaching is so genuine and easy to understand shes a beutiful teacher. Its so worth it watching her videos. Unlike the others i have been wasting my time on.

[@user-zn1pn4uo2m]

I look forward to seeing your next video. Thanks so much for your explanation.

[@Mustafa_A_Abbas]

I'd like to thank you for all the help you are giving to English learners. Kind regards.

[@jeandamascenenizeyimana8655]

Excellent lesson !!! You are a great teacher . Love from Rwanda

[@royac953]

How skilled and qualified teacher u are Emma!

[@michaelteklemariam3110]

Hey Emma you're very smart. it is too much clarified about any lesson.l've seen many videos and I'm satisfied about that way of learning .so i 'm really really thankful!!!!!

[@geraldineumoh8710]

I enjoyed the class. Thank you!

[@luiginoe3094]

Im interested in learning enlgish, and thank you for helping me!

[@TheZana7]

Thank you, professor. You give good classes.

[@satishyadav538]

I really enjoy your lecture.Thanks

[@Maryam-kv1vr]

You perfectly explained it. Bravo! It was awsome. Thanks a million

[@dineshshah115]

You beat the best. I have never seen a beautiful teacher like you.