Some verbs in English are either
followed by gerunds (swimming) or by infinitives with TO (to dance) or without
TO (dance):
I want to dance the whole night
I can dance for hours
I go dancing on Saturdays
INFINITIVES
Infinitives are formed adding TO to a BASE.
This is the rule in English
- After want / decide / agree / forget / promise / hope / offer / plan / arrange / try
BASES
Bases are formed without the TO of the
INFINITIVE.
- After MODAL VERBS: Can / Could / Shall / Should / Will / Would / Must / May / Might / Ought to
GERUNDS
Gerunds are formed with the BASE plus ING.
- After GO and verbs related to SPORTS: Go swimming / dancing / * shopping
- After personal LIKES and DISLIKES: Like / Dislike / Love / Hate / Enjoy / Mind / Look forward to
- After verbs showing the beginning, the ending or the repetition of an activity: Start / Begin / End / Finish / Stop / Give up / Go on / Keep
