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Teacher cue
B1 · English Grammar

Verb + Gerund
or Infinitive

I'd like to go. I'd rather stay. I like going too.

would like/prefer + to would rather + base
Three patterns

Which form comes after?

Either (no difference)
-ing or to + verb

I hate waiting. = I hate to wait.
She likes eating out. = She likes to eat out.

Would like / prefer
always to + verb

I'd like to see it.
She'd prefer to stay.
We'd like to thank you.

Would rather
base verb (no to)

I'd rather see an action film.
They'd rather know the truth.

Like, love, hate, prefer

Both forms are fine — same meaning

I hate eating alone. = I hate to eat alone.
We prefer shopping online. = We prefer to shop online.
She likes eating out with friends. = She likes to eat out.
Would like / prefer / rather

When 'd appears — the rules change

I'd like to travel by plane. (would like + infinitive)
She'd prefer to do it herself. (would prefer + infinitive)
I'd rather see an action film. (would rather + base — NO to)
💡 Compare

prefer … to  ·  would rather … than

I prefer tea to coffee. (general preference)
I prefer walking to driving. (-ing … to -ing)
I'd rather walk than drive. (base verb … than base verb)
I'd prefer to walk rather than drive. (this time)
⚠ Watch out

Common mistakes

I'd like going to the cinema.

I'd like to go to the cinema.

She'd prefer staying home.

She'd prefer to stay home.

I'd rather to watch TV.

I'd rather watch TV. (no "to")

We'd like ^ thank you all.

We'd like to thank you all.

Now it's your turn

Let's
practice.

Say the answer out loud — then tap to check.

Practice 1
tap to reveal

Fill the gap

I'd like(see)that new film.
She'd prefer(stay)at home tonight.
I'd rather(watch)a comedy than a horror film.
He loves(cook)for his friends.
They'd like(thank)everyone for coming.
Practice 2
tap a sentence to reveal the error

Spot the mistake

She enjoys cookingA butB she refuses washingC the dishes afterwardsD.

Cshe refuses washing → she refuses to wash

✓ refuse + to-infinitive

My brother avoidA studyingB at night, soC he getsD up early instead.

AMy brother avoid → My brother avoids

✓ my brother → avoids

They decided to moveA to Porto andB managedC to sell the apartment, but they kept to worryD about money.

Dbut they kept to worry → but they kept worrying

✓ keep + -ing

Practice 3
tap to reveal a model answer

Complete the sentence

I'd like to
She'd rather
They'd prefer to
He loves
Speak & write

Your turn

Use would like / prefer / rather or love / like / hate correctly.

What would you like to do this weekend?
Would you rather live in a city or the countryside? Why?
What do you love doing? What do you hate doing?
Given the choice, would you prefer to travel by train or plane?
Recap

Remember this

love/like/hate/prefer
-ing or to + verb (both fine)
would like / prefer
to + base verb
would rather
base verb — NO "to"
Key signal
'd changes the rule

Spot the 'd — if it's there, would like/prefer needs "to", would rather never does.

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