1.32 Verbs followed by the –ing form

Main verbs that are followed by the –ing form include: admit, advise, avoid, consider, deny, dislike, enjoy, fancy, finish, give up, imagine, keep (on), mind, (can't) stand, stop, suggest, e.g.:

Smith denied stealing the money.
(En Smith va negar haver robat els diners.)

We enjoyed taking part.
(Vam gaudir de la nostra participació.)

Has Tom given up smoking?
(En Tom ha deixat de fumar?)

We have to finish everything today. This means having a quick lunch.
(Això vol dir dinar ràpid.)

I don't mind discussing the problem.
(No m'importa debatre el problema.)

Carol can't stand listening to Bill's excuses.
(La Carol no aguanta escoltar les excuses d'en Bill.)

They stopped looking at the paintings.
(Van parar de mirar els quadres.)
Compare this last example with:
They stopped to look at the paintings.
(Es van aturar per mirar els quadres.)
They stopped in order to look at the paintings.
(Es van aturar per tal de mirar els quadres.)

The verb go is also followed by the –ing form in expressions such as go skiing, go sailing, go hiking, go running, go swimming, go cycling, go fishing, go riding, go skating, etc. These expressions refer simply to taking part in the activity, e.g.:

In the summer they often go cycling in the woods.
(A l'estiu sovint van en les bicis pels boscos.)

Last weekend Sally went skiing again.
(El cap de setmana passat la Sally va anar a esquiar un altre cop.)

However, if we refer to transport from place to place or to how someone does the activity, we use the verb alone, e.g.:

They cycle to work.
(Van a la feina en bici.)

Sally skies very well.
(La Sally esquia molt bé.)