Learn English Grammar: When to use an ‘-ING’ word after ‘TO’

Do we always use a verb after ‘to’? 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. Then take a quiz on this lesson at www.engvid.com...
Next, watch these important grammar lessons:
1. THE CAUSATIVE in English: • English Grammar - Caus...
2. How to use IF & WHETHER properly: • Grammar: How to use IF...
TRANSCRIPT
Hi. Welcome to www.engvid.com. I'm Adam. Today's lesson is a bit of a grammar lesson; a specific point I'm going to look at. And this is "to" followed by an "ing" word or an "ing" verb, it looks like. Right? And for some people this is very confusing because they automatically see "to", and they think it should be followed by a verb. Okay?
Now, the one thing that a lot of people forget is that "to" can be a preposition, and that is what you're going to be looking at when you're looking at "to" with an "ing". But there are also some things you have to remember. You have to keep in mind that there are certain collocations. A "collocation" is basically a set of words-a pair, or three, or four words-that just generally go together to have a particular meaning. Right?
So, for example: "look forward to" - these three words generally go together, and they're going to be followed by an "ing". "I look forward to meeting you." Now, where people get confused is they see a verb, and then they see the "to", and they're automatically thinking of another verb. But, here, this "to" is not part of the infinitive. There's two uses for "to": Preposition, and the infinitive "to". Right? Part of the infinitive verb. What you have to remember is that preposition.
"Admit to"... "Admit"... "The student admitted to cheating on the test." So: "Admitted to", what? Remember: The preposition needs an object, and that's what you're going to be answering when you answer the question: "What?" And objects in this particular case are going to be nouns or they're going to be gerunds. They can also be active participle adjectives, but I'll talk about that in a second. "Admit to cheating", "Object to being filmed", for example. So, somebody... I'm a politician and I see a camera coming, and I say: "No, sorry. I object to being filmed. You can ask me questions, but don't film me", basically.
"Get around to" means you will do something. Okay? So: "I'll get around to handing in the proposal later today." Okay? So, basically what you have to do is just remember these collocations.
Where it gets a little bit trickier is when you have adjectives. But before that, "prefer" I forgot to mention. -"I prefer jogging to swimming." -"Do you like jogging?" -"Well, I prefer it to swimming." Right? So it doesn't have to be an "ing"; it can be "it" mentioned before, and then "to", "ing". But this is a comparative "to", preposition. And, again: "to", what? "To" the noun or gerund. So, this is a gerund. It's not a verb, and that's why you can... It can follow "to". Okay? Now, let's look at a little... Something a little bit trickier, and I'll show you a general rule on how you can recognize whether to use "to" as a preposition or a verb.
Now we're going to look at something a little bit different. Okay? We're going to look at adjective participles. Now, "participles" are basically verbs that are used as adjectives. They can be, like, "ed" or irregular verb, and they can be "ing" verbs; passive and active - that's, you know, a different lesson on participles. But you have to also pay attention to how they're being used in the sentence.
Let's look at an example: "The company is committed to providing top-quality customer care." So, here, we have a verb: "commit", and we have: "is committed to". But, here, we're not actually looking at it as a passive verb; we're looking at it as more like an adjective. "The company is committed", right? So, this is telling you about the company. It's like a subject complement; it's acting like an adjective. And, here, this is a complement.
So, basically what does this mean? You have to look and see: What is your independent clause first? Right? And you should know independent clauses by now; and if you don't, I have a video on that as well. So, here: "The company is committed". This is a complete sentence: "The company is committed." To what? I don't know yet. […]

[@smendes2004]

Finally a video about this. A possible tip to distinguish between a To Infinitive and a To Preposition is adding "something" to the sentence. It is works, it is a To Preposition; if it doesn't, it is the other one. Example: He is not used to being interviewed (He is not used to "something") or The company is committed to "something". The "something" is the object of the preposition and it is expressed with a noun, in this case, a gerund.

[@lausodresapo1336]

I feel the same!

[@yeseniamin102]

thanks

[@Keith_bear]

That’s very helpful

[@mariojavierjimenezrosario5793]

Brilliantly explained using the grammatical terminology. I am a Spanish speaking teacher with a major in English Language and have always had doubts concerning this. Thanks to Adam my doubts were cleared out

[@AmatuRahman33]

Adam’s the best teacher from EngVid 💯🙌🏼

[@raghadali6924]

The most gorgeous grammar teacher ever 🤍

[@nazmulgani3776]

Excellent!!! You have clearly, correctly differentiated.....between the PREPOSITION """ TO""" and """" infinitive TO" , which is not a PREPOSITION.......

[@mohamadaldaher9215]

you are the best teacher I have ever had the privilege of learning from in my life. thank you very much.

[@Androck182]

You are the best adam, I watch your videos since I was A2 now I'm C1 and I'm an English teacher as well.

[@eufalkao]

Thanks so much, Adam! I learn a lot with your classes. :)

[@chronos5457]

So do I

[@harman5476]

Hiii

[@wersus3701]

Anyone wants to learn Russian ?

[@AmitKumar-yy7rr]

@@wersus3701 English to Russian...

[@wersus3701]

@@AmitKumar-yy7rr Привет , я из Златоуста ( Урал ) Let's try

[@paulicoronel]

You are great at teaching!!!!!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 marvelous teacher!!!

[@waruteru1998]

thanks Adam! it all gets clearer with your explanations

[@bmukherjee9923]

Hi Adam, your sincere teaching,expresion technic are admirable. Thanks.

[@Learn10.]

Thanks, Adam for sharing. I really like your explanation.

[@ingridh.2571]

I have been looking for this video for a long time and finally found it 🎉🙏

[@herrDOS]

What I like the most is how Adam easily communicates syntax structures and his overall understanding of the language. I kind of want to learn to see English as he does.

[@rowenagentil9738]

You are a SUPERB teacher!

[@TwitchDunyas001]

Our favorite teacher

[@sweet_lullaby9103]

This lesson could not have come at a better time! Thank you Adam💖

[@learnenglish8136]

Thanks alot, Adam. You are my favourite teacher

[@nikovald]

Thanks, I'm improving my English with your great teachings.

[@flaviaawan6297]

The most difficult grammar for me

[@giovanneserrau]

For me as well

[@edgybadassc9821]

The gerund and infinitive 😔

[@Felix-mp2vj]

*to me

[@achmadmuhtadin9123]

My name is R. Achmad Muhtadin, faculty of agronomic and horticulture, University of Lampung. Thanks so much, Adam! I learn alot with your videos....

[@samiraanea9779]

Thank you Adam!!

[@minoobmgh729]

You're excellent teacher. Thank you so much for all of your efforts !

[@mardypagaraisidro3062]

I really very like to learn to speak very fluent english, but your lesson teaching here on youtube gves me headacne, many things for me yes to learn. I will learn to speak englsih someday to I hope i can soon, im looking forward me to can speak very fluent englsih too like you.

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I am from Ivory coast (ABIDJAN ). I just came across your videos and I found them very good and useful. I am sure that they will help me. Thank you very much for that.

[@Dmytro_Galak]

Thank you, Adam. That's an awesome explanation.👍

[@factsentiretheworld]

Thanks 🙏 I'm from India 🇮🇳🇮🇳

[@ronifranco4975]

One more very good class, congratulations for your didactics and the way you pass your knowledge to those who want to learn English quickly and directly!!

[@rushikeshraibole2074]

Great video best English taking propeliy

[@The-Fact-Time]

English is a joking language 😂😂😂

[@josephperalta4251]

Finally i could get this. Thanks

[@r.chandrasekharsarma7461]

With a view to also is followed by gerund. Thanks a lot.

[@wiamewiames2756]

I look forward to starting my e-course. I admitted to skipping some of my ground classes. I object to having waited for long. I get around to submitting my research proposal I prefer peering to grouping.

[@Bundeslinda]

An extremely detailed and clear explanation. I like the way you kept repeating the central points. Thank you 😊

[@fernandoguerra8669]

Adam, thanks for sharing this class. I love it and you're a great teacher! Thank you so much ! 🙏🤗

[@handeb8847]

ı find Engvid so beneficial to learning English.Teachers are all very talented and succesful .you are commited to providing the best quality of education.

[@mohammademran1098]

Very respected teacher❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊

[@mamad_f1471]

Thanks man I love you videos you give the most advanced explanations among all the engVid Teachers

[@abdullahabubasil9300]

Your teaching method is more than wonderful, and frankness, you are very superior🌸🌸🌸🌸

[@mehrzad7984]

Thank you so much 🙏🙏🙏🙏🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@simonakosyte7486]

Many thanks. You're a candle in the darkness! I'm astonished, absolutely astonished at this way of teaching :)

[@J_46]

Thank you teacher!

[@jihantrish2166]

Ur videos are very very helpful and understandable, thanks a lot Adam🙏

[@christianeokelly7668]

My head hurts... I will need to watch this again and again until it gets better

[@ledamos]

So do I!!

[@waipalisrevenge3707]

Why did it hurt?

[@christianeokelly7668]

Waipali's Revenge hi, we say that in English when we don’t understand something. In this lesson, there is a lot I did not 😄

[@waipalisrevenge3707]

@@christianeokelly7668 Ok thank you. I thought you had a headache

[@waipalisrevenge3707]

@@christianeokelly7668 so I was about to recommend you to go and see a doctor

[@DrNziGbn]

Wow ... 👑Adam👑 You are a wonderful teacher I love you 😍💙🌹 thanks a lot 💕

[@dark_screed_5640]

Thank goodness for such a great and free teacher!With your help we are certainly going to step forward!)

[@teresinharocha]

It’s a little bit confusing at first sight but I will make it. Thank you so much Professor Adam.

[@Sofine1809]

😁 to + Ing had puzzled me for a while , thanks Adam ! 😘

[@MehmetAliMD]

Thanks a lot, Adam. It's a very helpful lesson.

[@expressenglishsemarang6639]

thank you great Teacher,, your explanation really opens my mind about differentiating between used to and to be used to ing , you are really a brilliants teacher. thanks for your classes.

[@diversevlogging4782]

This is a good platform to learn english

[@saintzeno]

This is very helpful video, exactly what I was looking for. Thank you.

[@shafikullahshaon514]

hello Adam, thanks for your excellent teaching. i get greatly benefited from your video lessons.

[@raimundosepulvedav.8572]

Thanks, Adam... I found your channel and English classes 2 months ago and I think that your method is efective and very friendly. I teach about insects in my country. Thanks again...

[@anastasisklimis1781]

Thank you Adam ,I really appreciate your work and effort you put in your videos!!

[@veenanarwani761]

Great. In quiz questions I replied each of the questions correctly but one , that was returned to teaching. I answered it : return to teach. Pl. tell some more example sentences.

[@barbaracoppolino5600]

Adam, you are a great teacher!!!thanks for your "pearls of wisdom"

[@tracycui8316]

Thanks. Now I learned When to use an -ing word after to

[@spokenenglishforbeginners7278]

You explain very simply. Thanks

[@priscila9714]

Congrats I love all videos !

[@stellacasallas968]

Hi Adan. Thanks Thanks ,it is very usefully.

[@BIMOIK]

Your lessons are really excellent!!! Good wishes from Bangladesh Mr. Adam.

[@jhonma24]

What a interesting lesson! Thanks Adam you're a great teacher. That topic is difficult to understand for us the native Spanish speakers, and there is another confusing topic like the difference between as if and as thought. Do you have any video about that topic?

[@emmanuelrosas4164]

It twisted my mind, but finally I understand it better now. Thanks. You're amazing!

[@elisabetta4478]

A classical error that non native speakers like me makes is "I am looking forward to see you" instead of "I'm looking forward to seeing (gerund) you"😂 Therefore, I am greatful to you Mr. Adam for this lesson.

[@priscillawilson2634]

By the way, you should say "a classic error" meaning usual or popular, not "a classical error" which means traditional or of an old style.

[@edusantos2556]

Very interesting subject, thanks adam for the very interesting and awesome english classes!!

[@jubairmazumder364]

Thnku so much sir I learn a lot with your classes

[@zumlymarlenealvarezcascant8544]

Super good explanation. Thank u. Talking about "commit" So, in the sentence: "he commits to" To would be followed by an infinitivo since "commit" is a verb and not an adjective. Am I right?

[@rachnasharma6646]

best video I have ever seen related to 'to' as a preposition

[@heronalmeida9758]

Thanks teacher for your video. I look forward to studying more with you!

[@aamankhan3376]

Hello,Thank you very much adam sir. God bless you alot. God may help you always.

[@NROLSN]

Many thanks Adams for your tips, very interesting and much apreciated. i made a mistake at question 7 but understood your explanation in the comments.

[@marcepinillos3491]

Greatest explanation ever!! Thank you 😊

[@nadjmeddinenadjm9651]

Thank you so much Mr Adam for all your efforts from Algeria

[@gishansclass4056]

Great explanations...

[@thedoctor6090]

Thank you so much my teacher 😍😍

[@abhishekawasthi8155]

Thanks adam!i learnt much in this vedio

[@yohannestombeng5064]

thanks, Adam.

[@charlesperry7300]

I learned how and why this structure is used.

[@mariamkinen8036]

Yes! Thank you. I get this.

[@SemiraSem-z2j]

Best teacher

[@suhrobhojamberdiyev8015]

Adam is really good grammer teacher.

[@quintiliano1975]

Great explanation!!! Skilled teacher.

[@lestariayu07]

Thank you soooo much. This channel helps me a lot 💛

[@vuincredible86]

Wonderful lessons...!!!

[@mascuudmaxamed1229]

Thank u mr adam u helped me thanks a lot the one and only teacher in the KZbin keep uploading these videos

[@CreyentedeDios1993]

I love the way you teaching us!

[@rushikeshraibole2074]

Hii meibrita hello

[@fabrizia1970]

Definetly. I'm in love!

[@lucasmoreira7680]

Thank you so much, teacher. By the way, you remind me of the tennis player Marin Cilic.

[@jubairmazumder364]

Very interesting in tu your video

[@mariamkinen8036]

Yes! Exactly

[@rawan1290]

This has given me some hard time and I never got it, but now I do. Thanks a lot

[@sandracristhelhernandezcer716]

Thanks, it helped me a lot to see this video since the words with ing are no longer verbs, but a set. The gerund can be used after putting a verb. The ing is only gerund or in some cases an adjective but it is not a verb.

[@rushikeshraibole2074]

Hoo

[@englishlife5838]

This is really helpful

[@winlei745]

Could u explain me difference between these sentences? Eg .I'm looking forward to seeing you again. I look forward to see you again .

[@mishalafaulds6572]

“I’m looking forward to seeing you again” correct not used very often. It’s better to say “I look forward to seeing you again”

[@พันธุ์ศักดิ์ศิริเลิศ]

Thank you.

[@arjunguru200]

Thank you you are a good teacher keep it up always

[@sadikurrahman3302]

Thanks sir.

[@yannreminiac6981]

very interesting and i had taking english lessons in an english school in rennes city; it's good to remenber this lessons, Thanks Adam!!!

[@aamirhussain4002]

Awesome ....👌👌👌🙏