At the B1 level learners can use a limited range of verbs followed by an -ing form.
I would like to stay there a few years to finish studying and to have my own money to start thinking of travelling. (Cambridge English: Preliminary; Spanish - Latin American)
So, would you mind telling Mr and Mrs Thomas? (CELSP; Chinese)
Learners are also able to use a wide range of verbs followed by a to-infinitive.
… it’s one of the reasons I decided to change class. (Cambridge English: Preliminary; French)
I’m going to buy pictures to hang on the wall, because my room seems to be very cold and very unfriendly. (Cambridge English: Preliminary; German)
I prefer to stay in the countryside, which I think is better. (Cambridge English: Preliminary; Slovak)
B1 level learners can use some verbs of requesting and commanding followed by a direct object and a to-infinitive.
I would like you to come to a picnic on Saturday. (Cambridge English: Preliminary for Schools; Spanish - Latin American)
I would like you to come to my office on 16th of May to discuss the terms of the contract. (Cambridge English: Business Preliminary; Polish)
Your parents want you to go on holiday with them this summer. (Cambridge English: Preliminary; Russian)
They can use make and let + infinitive without to.
Let me know if it is suitable for you. (Cambridge English: Business Preliminary; Portuguese)
She makes me smile when I’m sad. (Cambridge English: Preliminary for Schools; Serbian)
I think you should talk with your parents and try to make them understand how you feel and what you prefer. (Cambridge English: Preliminary; Italian)
Learners at the B1 level can also use help + object + infinitive with or without to with no change in meaning.
I wanted to help him to make some friends. He’s just like me. (Cambridge English: Preliminary for Schools; Turkish)
I hope that it will help you to keep fit. (Cambridge English: Preliminary; Russian)
This house is terrible and I hope you can help me find something better. (Skills for Life: Entry 3; Polish)
Finally, learners use would prefer + to-infinitive at this level. Would prefer to is often used by learners to be more polite.
I would prefer to meet you at six o’clock instead of four at the café in my hometown. (Cambridge English: Preliminary; German)
I’d prefer to go on holiday with my friends. (Cambridge English: Preliminary; German)
So, although learners at the B1 level make limited progress with verb patterns that utilise the gerund form, they make a significant amount of progress with their use of the infinitive (with and without to). As learners move on to the B2 level, the gerund becomes a focus on learner progress once again.
