Grammar Focus: Verbs followed by '-ing' or Infinitive

Some verbs are followed by the -ing form (gerund), others by the infinitive (to + base verb).

• Followed by -ing (gerund): enjoy, mind, finish, avoid, suggest, imagine, can't stand, keep. I enjoy reading books.
• Followed by infinitive: want, need, decide, hope, plan, promise, agree, learn, refuse. I want to learn English.
• Followed by both (little change in meaning): like, love, hate, prefer, start, begin, continue. I like reading / I like to read.