3.191 verbs followed by a present participle

Some verbs are always followed by a present participle clause in phase structures of this kind.

• He contemplated setting up a private estate in Hungary.
• I could avoid putting too much weight on my arm.
• He missed having someone to dislike.
• I recall being very impressed with the official anthems.

Here is a list of verbs which are used with a present participle, but not a 'to'-infinitive:

• admit, adore, appreciate, avoid, celebrate, commence, consider, contemplate, defer, delay, deny, describe, detest, discontinue, dislike, dread, endure, enjoy, explain, fancy, finish, go, imagine, keep, lie, loathe, mention, mind, miss, postpone, practise, recall, report, resent, resist, risk, sit, stand, stop, suggest

These verbs are also sometimes used with a passive '-ing' form.

• They enjoy being praised.

'Admit', 'celebrate', 'deny', 'mention', and 'recall' are quite often used with a perfect '-ing' form.

• Carmichael had denied having seen him.