Feelings & Preferences

Target Structures:

Not mind, Be good at, Afraid of, Really like, Keen on, Crazy about, Tired of, Interested in, Can’t stand (+ –ING form)

Goal:

Use –ING forms correctly after common expressions to talk naturally about interests, abilities, likes, and dislikes.

1. Warm-Up (3 min)

Questions (answer in full sentences):

1. What activities are you good at doing?
   Sample answer: “I’m good at cooking Italian food.”

2. What’s something you can’t stand doing?
   Sample answer: “I can’t stand waiting in long queues.”

🗣️ Mini follow-up:
Why do we use the –ING form after certain expressions instead of the infinitive (to + verb)?

2. Presentation (7 min)

When we use some verbs, adjectives, or expressions, the next verb must be in the –ING form, not to + verb.
Example:
❌ I’m good at to cook.
✅ I’m good at cooking.

Let’s look at each expression 👇

Not mind (+ –ING) → means you don’t have a problem with something.
✅ “I don’t mind getting up early on weekends.”
💬 Use it for neutral or polite opinions.

Be good at (+ –ING) → shows ability or skill.
✅ “She’s good at remembering people’s names.”
💬 Be careful: always “good at”, never “good in” when talking about skills.

Afraid of (+ –ING) → describes fear or anxiety about something happening.
✅ “He’s afraid of flying.”
💬 You can also say “afraid to do” when you mean you avoid doing it once (different meaning).

Really like (+ –ING) → expresses strong enjoyment.
✅ “I really like playing football with friends.”
💬 Same meaning as ‘love doing’, but slightly softer.

Keen on (+ –ING) → means very interested or enthusiastic about something.
✅ “She’s keen on learning new languages.”
💬 Very common in British English.

Crazy about (+ –ING) → means you love something a lot.
✅ “He’s crazy about playing the guitar.”
💬 Informal, emotional, often used for hobbies, music, or sports.

Tired of (+ –ING) → means you’re bored or fed up with something.
✅ “I’m tired of working late every day.”
💬 Often used to express frustration.

Interested in (+ –ING) → shows curiosity or attraction to something.
✅ “We’re interested in visiting Japan next summer.”
💬 Common when talking about future plans or hobbies.

Can’t stand (+ –ING) → means you strongly dislike something.
✅ “I can’t stand doing housework.”
💬 Much stronger than ‘don’t like’.

💬 Mini task:
Say one or two sentences about yourself using two of these expressions.
Example: “I’m keen on learning new recipes, but I can’t stand washing dishes.”

3. Controlled Practice (7 min)

Choose the correct option to complete each sentence:

1. I don’t mind _______ to work by bus.
   (a) go (b) going (c) to go

2. She’s afraid of _______ alone at night.
   (a) walk (b) walking (c) to walk

3. He’s really keen on _______ Spanish culture.
   (a) learn (b) learning (c) to learn

4. I’m tired of _______ the same food every day.
   (a) eat (b) eating (c) to eat

5. They can’t stand _______ in traffic for hours.
   (a) sit (b) sitting (c) to sit

6. She’s good at _______ children.
   (a) teach (b) teaching (c) to teach

7. We’re interested in _______ a new hobby.
   (a) start (b) starting (c) to start

✅ Answer Key & Explanations

1 → (b) going → After mind, we always use the –ING form. “Don’t mind going” = it’s not a problem.
2 → (b) walking → Afraid of is followed by a preposition → use –ING.
3 → (b) learning → Keen on → preposition “on” → use –ING.
4 → (b) eating → Tired of → preposition “of” → use –ING.
5 → (b) sitting → Can’t stand → always followed by a –ING form.
6 → (b) teaching → Good at → preposition “at” → use –ING.
7 → (b) starting → Interested in → preposition “in” → use –ING.

4. Interactive Practice (6 min)

Complete the sentences and expand with details:

1. I’m really keen on _______ because…

2. I’m tired of _______ these days.

3. I can’t stand _______ but I have to do it.

4. My best friend is crazy about _______.

5. I’m not afraid of _______ anymore.

🗣️ Tip: Try to give long, natural answers and explain why.

5. Free Practice (5 min)

Discussion Questions:

1. What are you good at doing that other people find difficult?

2. What’s something you’re tired of doing but can’t avoid?

3. Are there activities you really like doing when you’re alone?

4. What hobbies are you keen on at the moment?

5. Is there anything you can’t stand doing, even if it’s necessary?

🎯 Mini Challenge:
Talk about your daily routine using at least four –ING expressions from today’s lesson.
Example:

“I don’t mind getting up early, but I’m tired of cleaning the kitchen every morning.
I’m good at making breakfast quickly, and I’m crazy about listening to music while I eat.”

6. Wrap-Up & Review (2 min)

🗣️ Quick recap:

• After mind, be good at, afraid of, like, keen on, crazy about, tired of, interested in, can’t stand → use verb + –ING.

• These expressions help you talk naturally about your emotions, abilities, and preferences.

🧠 Self-check:
Can you describe your hobbies, fears, and dislikes using five –ING expressions naturally?