Gerunds & Infinitives
Some verbs are followed by the -ing form, some by "to + verb" — the matrix verb decides which.
🔄 Two Patterns
Verb + -ing (gerund)
enjoy doing
These verbs are followed by the -ing form.
I enjoy reading.
enjoyavoidsuggest
finishadmitpractise
mindconsider
Verb + to-infinitive
want to do
These verbs are followed by "to" + base verb.
She wants to leave.
wantdecideplan
hopepromiseagree
affordrefuse
⚠️ Verbs That Change Meaning
stop + -ing
Stop an ongoing action/habit
He stopped smoking. (quit the habit)
stop + to-infinitive
Pause in order to do something else
He stopped to smoke. (paused to have a cigarette)