A1 level learners can use a limited range of verbs followed by a to-infinitive.
I like to go to the zoo. (Skills for Life: Entry 1; Arabic - Other)
Sometimes I don’t like to go out because it’s very cold. (Skills for Life: Entry 1; Tagalog)
I want to invite you for dinner. (Skills for Life: Entry 1; Panjabi)
They can use like followed either by a to-infinitive or an -ing form with no change in meaning.
I like to work with my teacher. (Skills for Life: Entry 1; Italian)
I don’t like to eat at College. (Skills for Life: Entry 1; Italian)
I like reading lots of magazines. (Skills for Life: Entry 1; Hungarian)
I don’t like doing homework in college. (Skills for Life: Entry 1; Thai)
Learners at the A1 level can also use would like to + infinitive.
I would like to meet you to give you some information about the Brannl State and the shops near her. (Skills for Life: Entry 1; Arabic - Other)
I’d like to invite you on Sunday about six o’clock in the evening. (Skills for Life: Entry 1; Polish)
An increasing range of verbs followed by a to-infinitive is used once the A2 level is achieved.
I bought them because I hope to go to England this year and the weather isn’t very good. (Cambridge English: Key; Italian)
Please remember to bring your pyjamas and your toothbrush. (Cambridge English: Key; Greek)
Don’t forget to come. (Cambridge English: Key; Farsi)
Learners are able to use verbs expressing preference followed either by a to-infinitive or an -ing form with no change in meaning. Surprisingly, at the A2 level, learners are able to use prefer + to-infinitive but not prefer + -ing.
I love to cook. (Skills for Life: Entry 2; French)
I love cooking and also baking. (Cambridge English: Key; Spanish - Latin American)
I prefer to play football but I often go to the gym. (Skills for Life: Entry 2; Farsi)
A2 level learners can use enjoy followed by the -ing form.
We enjoy playing the piano and singing together. (Cambridge English: Key; Farsi)
You know I really enjoy listening to music. (Cambridge English: Key; Chinese)
In addition, they can use would love followed by a to-infinitive to give emphasis.
I’d love to do the concert. (Cambridge English: Key; French)
I’d love to hear it! (Cambridge English: Key; Greek)
So, by the A2 level, learners are able to use the to-infinitive and -ing forms interchangeably in appropriate contexts and demonstrate knowledge of where a particular form is required. As learners move on to the B1 level, the infinitive becomes central to learner progress.
