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

[@anirbellahcen5551]

I had been looking for an explanation for the use of "to" instead of "for" until this video came out and made great sense to me. Thank you very much, Sir, You have taught me so much in the last eight years.

[@mohamadaldaher9215]

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

[@freddyirwanto5837]

Adam, you are the best English teacher...

[@eugenerhee2850]

You are one of the best English teachers so far I have ever seen on RUclips.

[@nataliamof]

I am used to practicing the english language ❤️ these details make all the difference in our speaking and writing

[@rushikeshraibole2074]

Hii hello nataliamof

[@missmikaylajaynemarriott5546]

Hi @@rushikeshraibole2074

[@Learn10.]

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

[@nazmulgani3776]

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

[@bmukherjee9923]

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

[@waruteru1998]

thanks Adam! it all gets clearer with your explanations

[@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.

[@thelionthelionl2429]

You are the best teacher I have ever watched 🙏🏽🌸 thank you so much for your help 🌹🙏🏽🌸

[@rushikeshraibole2074]

Hii ahed hello

[@irakha3335]

Clear & englightening explanation !

[@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!!!

[@AmatuRahman33]

Adam’s the best teacher from EngVid 💯🙌🏼

[@sametnarin5640]

You are the best teacher ever !

[@titawow9221]

I so agree.

[@abdullahabubasil9300]

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

[@nanwlediffoue9124]

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.

[@soloweaponry1789]

You teach in a perfect manner that could ever be possible. ☺️

[@raghadali6924]

The most gorgeous grammar teacher ever 🤍

[@sweet_lullaby9103]

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

[@afsanehkhairi4645]

You are best english teacher i've seen

[@jihantrish2166]

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

[@r.chandrasekharsarma7461]

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

[@mohamedali5543]

Thank you very much, Mr Adam for a good subject. Please use simple sentence. Like : He ..... to '+ ing
We ... to+ing
That would be easier for us to go through what you mean.
Thank you again.

[@rowenagentil9738]

You are a SUPERB teacher!

[@fernandoguerra8669]

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

[@Bundeslinda]

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

[@nikovald]

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

[@kdcaliforniapanther8854]

I'm well accustomed to speaking fluent English conformably with the help of teacher Adam :)

[@mamad_f1471]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@Dmytro_Galak]

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

[@learnenglish8136]

Thanks alot, Adam. You are my favourite teacher

[@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.

[@minoobmgh729]

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

[@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?

[@josephwebston]

Teacher Adam, your classes are superb. Thanks a lot, salutations from Sao Paulo!! :)

[@ThePronounI]

Whatever you do, don't lie down while watching this. His voice is so non-threatening and relaxing.

[@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.

[@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...

[@marianapereiramelo3273]

Thank you very much for the explanation!

[@myomyokhaing411]

Thank you so much Adam.

[@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!!

[@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.

[@factsentiretheworld]

Thanks 🙏 I'm from India 🇮🇳🇮🇳

[@MehmetAliMD]

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

[@shafikullahshaon514]

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

[@matiasisla7083]

This is an amazing video for learning- refreshing some aspects that you forget when not using them.

[@Thomasjohn1490]

Adam, you’re really great teacher. Thanks a lot.

[@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?

[@mnm6683]

Hi Adam you are a real teacher..thanks I got this classes.

[@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....

[@spokenenglishforbeginners7278]

You explain very simply. Thanks

[@barbaracoppolino5600]

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

[@TwitchDunyas001]

Our favorite teacher

[@anastasisklimis1781]

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

[@DrNziGbn]

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

[@ingridh.2571]

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

[@marcepinillos3491]

Greatest explanation ever!! Thank you 😊

[@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.

[@dark_screed_5640]

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

[@hillaryallison3264]

thank you soooo much, Adam!
it was super helpful and clear to me

[@rushikeshraibole2074]

Hii hillary

[@samiraanea9779]

Thank you 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

[@simonakosyte7486]

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

[@rushikeshraibole2074]

Great video best English taking propeliy

[@saintzeno]

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

[@BIMOIK]

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

[@quintiliano1975]

Great explanation!!!
Skilled teacher.

[@josephperalta4251]

Finally i could get this. Thanks

[@Sofine1809]

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

[@mazlanibrahim5680]

I start to realise this when I learnt about the combination between (verb + preposition) and (adjective + adjective) and they all in one unit. It is very clear for the case of (verb + preposition) where 'to' is preposition, that preceeding word after that should be in 'ing' form. How about for other adjectives like 'faithful to' and 'similar'? Are they following the same rule?

[@edusantos2556]

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

[@Naubar]

thanks for sharing learn english grammar

[@stellacasallas968]

Hi Adan.
Thanks
Thanks ,it is very usefully.

[@J_46]

Thank you teacher!

[@СветланаКочкаева-ю1ц]

Adam, I ‘ ve just checked Cambridge dictionary- it suggests using ‘obliged to Verb (infinitive)’
I’m a bit confused

[@heronalmeida9758]

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

[@maial-baghdady1739]

Clear and focused, thank you Adam!

[@lyannak.5877]

You are a very good teacher!

[@onironyor]

Adam, regarding to the "prefer....to...". Is it okay if I say: :Prefer...than....For example, I prefer banana than orange. Is that correct or not? Looking forward to seeing your answer. Thanks..

[@itskgy]

I think just prefer to is more natural...but there's no problem to let people understand what you talk about.

[@nadjmeddinenadjm9651]

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

[@jubairmazumder364]

Thnku so much sir I learn a lot with your classes

[@ΝικοςΜπαντουνας-σ7φ]

Hello. Thank you for your advices. I would some advices about the "writing" if you want. (Sorry for my Spelling mistakes).

[@zumlymarlenealvarezcascant8544]

hI Adam. I've been struggling with this structure for years and I'm not clear yet even with your explanation in this video. Unfortunately I didn't see the video when it was first posted. I couldn't use the section of comments in your channel because it was already closed. I hope you can see this comment and answer me. This is my question: You said that in the sentence: "I'm committed to reading every day" for example, "committed" is not a verb but an adjective so "to" is a preposition and then, what's next to it should be the object of "to" which logically has to be a noun (a gerund). So, in the sentence: " I commit myself to ... (infinitive)??? I would be: I commit myself to listen to English videos everyday.
Am I right????? since "commit" is not longer an adjective but the main verb?

[@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.

[@eemiroto]

Adam Thanks for the lesson, I realized that we can implement a rule, for instance: Subject + (aux verb "be" ) + verb in past + to + word ing, Is it correct?

[@mohammademran1098]

Very respected teacher❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊

[@stellacasallas968]

Hi Adan.
I hope you have been well in these days.
It has been very useful. I love it. so Do you have more videos relate to Gerum as a subject etc?
Have a great day,
Stella Casallas

[@aamankhan3376]

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

[@mohamedaboalkasim7590]

Thank you. no one explained it simply as you did
I have a question, if you could reply.
in " I am not used to being interviewed" (being) is a verb telling me that he is not used to interview right now in this situation
is am I right or wrong?

[@mohamedaboalkasim7590]

I mean it is happening on the present right now

[@olegpodlipalin5916]

Pretty simple, amazingly useful! Thanks a lot!

[@abhishekawasthi8155]

Thanks adam!i learnt much in this vedio

[@mehrzad7984]

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

[@audir8847]

Thanks a lot man,good luck with your work!

[@dianatralli4099]

Great lesson as always Adam.