When one verb follows another, English has to choose: the -ing form (cooking) or to + verb (to cook). Many languages don't make this choice, so learners translate directly and say "I enjoy to cook" or "I want cooking." These sound wrong to American ears right away. Worse, a few verbs change meaning: "I stopped to talk" and "I stopped talking" are almost opposites. In this episode: • Verbs + -ing • Verbs + to • Verbs that change meaning • Like, love, hate, start, begin • Listening lab • Practice • Self-check questions with answers Key phrases from this episode: I enjoy cooking on weekends — I like doing it (neutral) Do you mind waiting a minute? — is it okay to wait? (polite) Did you finish cleaning your room? — complete it (neutral) He keeps forgetting his keys — again and again (casual) I can't stand waiting in line — I really dislike it (casual) She avoids eating late — she stays away from it (neutral) We should consider moving closer to school — think about it (neutral) I miss living near Grandma — I feel sad it stopped (neutral) Let's go shopping — go + -ing for activities (casual) I want to cook tonight — a wish (neutral) We need to buy milk — necessary (neutral) She decided to paint the kitchen — a choice (neutral) We're planning to visit Grandma — a plan (neutral) He promised to call — a promise (neutral) I hope to finish early — a wish for the future (neutral) Can you help me carry this? — help can drop the to (casual) I forgot to lock the door — I didn't do it (neutral) I stopped talking — I was talking, then I was quiet I stopped to talk — I was walking, then I stopped so I could talk Season 2 · Real American English: the complete spoken course for learners worldwide — accent, everyday grammar, prepositions, articles, phrasal verbs, idioms, slang and real conversations at home. Listen, repeat out loud, then take the 52-question quiz. Audio voiced with AI from an original script by Dr. Rashmi R Nair.