Verb Patterns: enjoy, want, stop

Your task

Fill in the gap in each sentence with the correct word or phrase.

0 / 15 answered

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Keep practising! Focus on the explanations below.

I usually enjoy (walk) in the park when the weather is sunny.

Correct answer: walking

“Enjoy” is followed by the gerund (-ing form) because it describes a general experience or feeling.

My brother wants (buy) a new laptop for his university studies.

Correct answer: to buy

“Want” expresses a desire or intent for a future action, which requires the “to-infinitive”.

The company decided (close) its smallest office to save money.

Correct answer: to close

“Decide” indicates a choice or commitment to a future action, requiring the “to-infinitive”.

She doesn't enjoy (cook) for large groups of people because it's stressful.

Correct answer: cooking

Even in the negative, “enjoy” maintains its pattern with the gerund.

They want (travel) around Europe after they graduate next year.

Correct answer: to travel

The pattern remains “want + to-infinitive” because it expresses an intention.

I stopped (smoke) three years ago and I feel much healthier now.

Correct answer: smoking

“Stop” followed by a gerund means to cease or quit a habit or action permanently.

On the way to work, he stopped (get) a cup of coffee.

Correct answer: to get

“Stop” followed by a to-infinitive indicates stopping one action in order to start another (purpose).

Most teenagers enjoy (spend) time with their friends on the weekend.

Correct answer: spending

“Enjoy” requires the gerund to describe a pleasurable activity.

We decided (not / go) to the cinema because the tickets were too expensive.

Correct answer: not to go

To negate an infinitive, “not” must come before “to” (not to go).

You should stop (worry) about the exam; you've studied very hard.

Correct answer: worrying

“Stop” followed by a gerund means to end a continuous state or mental activity.

While she was driving, she stopped (check) the map because she was lost.

Correct answer: to check

She interrupted her driving “in order to” check the map, requiring the to-infinitive.

My parents enjoy (watch) old movies on Sunday afternoons.

Correct answer: watching

“Enjoy” is a verb of general preference and must be followed by the gerund.

Does she want (apply) for the manager's position?

Correct answer: to apply

In question forms, the pattern “want + to-infinitive” remains the same.

Please stop (make) so much noise; I'm trying to sleep!

Correct answer: making

The speaker wants the current, annoying action to end, which requires the gerund.

We were lost, so we stopped (ask) a local person for directions.

Correct answer: to ask

The interruption of the journey was “for the purpose of” asking, requiring the to-infinitive.

Please answer at least one question first.

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