Gerund and infinitive

ING or TO?

Compare the following verb patterns:

I can do it. (INFINITIVE WITHOUT TO)

I'd like to eat something. (INFINITIVE WITH TO)

I stopped working in the company. (GERUND)

INFINITIVE WITHOUT TO

is used after modal verbs: can, may, must, should, could, would, etc.

I can't go to the party.

I must study more.

and after 2 special verbs: let, make

Let me introduce myself.

John always makes me laugh.

INFINITIVE WITH TO

is used with the following verbs:

WANT, HOPE, PLAN, EXPECT, NEED, DECIDE, OFFER, PROMISE, REFUSE, AGREE, FORGET, MANAGE

I forgot to switch off the light.

I have decided to get married.

GERUND

is used with the following verbs:

ENJOY, STOP, FINISH, MIND, SUGGEST, CONSIDER, IMAGINE

Molly stopped dating Billy.

Imagine living in Papua New Guinea.

Also very often with: LIKE, PREFER, LOVE, HATE, START, BEGIN

- but you can use the INFINITIVE WITH TO with these verbs, too.

I like reading detective novels.

It started raining.

Be careful!

- with would + the verbs above, you can use only INFINITIVE WITH TO

I would like to read the book at the weekend.

I'd love to go with you.

ONE MORE RULE:

- Use gerund after prepositions

She passed us without saying hello.

Before going to work, I'll have a shower.