Infinitive or -ing? Put the verb in brackets in the right form, infinitive or -ing. Sometimes both are...

a. I want to see a film on TV this evening. b. I hope to hear from you soon. c. When did you finish painting the kitchen? d. I began learning English when I was seven. e. Some people like having breakfast in bed, but I don't. f. Don't forget to post my letter! g. We've decided to get married in the spring. h. When she saw how I was dressed, she started laughing. i. What do you want to do tonight? j. I'd like to go to the theatre. k. I love listening to live music. l. I can't see you on Saturday. I promised to take my children to the circus. m. She continued talking during the whole meal.

To determine whether to use the infinitive or the -ing form of a verb, it's important to understand the context and specific verbs that influence the choice. Here’s a detailed explanation and answer to each prompt:

a. I want to see a film on TV this evening.

• "Want" is followed by the infinitive form.

b. I hope to hear from you soon. Best wishes, Peter.

• "Hope" is followed by the infinitive form.

c. When did you finish painting the kitchen?

• "Finish" is followed by the -ing form.

d. I began learning English when I was seven.

• "Begin" can be followed by both the infinitive and -ing form, but in this context, the -ing form is often used.

e. Some people like having breakfast in bed, but I don't.

• "Like" can be followed by both forms, but -ing is more common when referring to general preferences.

f. Don't forget to post my letter!

• "Forget" is followed by the infinitive when referring to remembering to do something.

g. We've decided to get married in the spring.

• "Decide" is followed by the infinitive form.

h. When she saw how I was dressed, she started laughing.

• "Start" can be followed by both the infinitive and -ing form, but in this context, the -ing form is often used.

i. What do you want to do tonight?

• "Want" is followed by the infinitive form.

j. I'd like to go to the theatre.

• "Would like" is followed by the infinitive form.

k. I love listening to live music.

• "Love" can be followed by both forms, but -ing is often used for general preferences.

l. I can't see you on Saturday. I promised to take my children to the circus.

• "Promise" is followed by the infinitive form.

m. She continued talking during the whole meal.

• "Continue" can be followed by both the infinitive and -ing form, but the -ing form is often used.

For creating sentences about people's ambitions:

Example: Sheila/teacher/work/with children.

• Sheila is going/wants/hopes/would like to be a teacher because she likes/loves/enjoys working with children.

Explanation:

• Use verbs like "is going," "wants," "hopes," or "would like" to express ambitions.
• Use "likes," "loves," or "enjoys" to express what they enjoy doing or are passionate about.

a. I want to see a film on TV this evening. b. I hope to hear from you soon. c. When did you finish painting the kitchen? d. I began learning English when I was seven. e. Some people like having breakfast in bed, but I don't. f. Don't forget to post my letter! g. We've decided to get married in the spring. h. When she saw how I was dressed, she started laughing. i. What do you want to do tonight? j. I'd like to go to the theatre. k. I love listening to live music. l. I promised to take my children to the circus. m. She continued talking during the whole meal.