Infinitive or -ing form? 📕

When one verb follows another, the second verb is either to + base form or -ing. It depends on the first verb.

Verbs + to + base form

want, need, hope, decide, plan, learn, promise, agree, would like

I want to learn English.

She decided to stay.

Verbs + -ing

enjoy, finish, mind, avoid, suggest, keep, practise, miss

I enjoy cooking.

He finished working at six.

Would you mind waiting?

Both forms, same meaning

like, love, hate, start, begin, continue

I like swimming. = I like to swim.

After a preposition: always -ing

I'm interested in learning French.

Thank you for helping me.

She left without saying goodbye.

Base form without to

After modal verbs (can, must, should ...) and after let and make:

I can swim.

Let me help you.

✗ I enjoy to read.

✓ I enjoy reading.

✗ I want go home.

✓ I want to go home.

✗ I can to speak English.

✓ I can speak English.