Infinitive or -ing?
There are several commonly-used verbs which, when followed by another verb, have special characteristics:
• Some verbs which are always followed by a verb in the infinitive: to want, to refuse, to seem, to manage...
• Some verbs which are always followed by a verb in the infinitive: to want, to refuse, to seem, to manage...
Bruno wants to conclude the negotiations tomorrow.
I promise to do my best.
Susie expects to work all night on this project.
I refuse to negotiate with terrorists.
This seems to be a waste of my time.
I managed to catch the train.
The candidate happened to be my ex-girlfriend.
• Some verbs which are always followed by a verb in the ing form: to enjoy, to avoid, to consider...
I'll consider hiring your nephew.
Horatio enjoys drinking coconut milk.
Would you mind opening the window?
Please avoid making silly mistakes.
I can't help loving you.
• Finally, other verbs can be followed by a verb in the infinitive or a verb in the ing form:
I remember writing you an email. I remember having written you an email in the past.
I remember to write you emails weekly. I never forget to write you emails weekly.
I stopped picking flowers. I ceased to pick flowers, I ended the action of picking flowers.
I stopped to pick flowers. I stopped another action (perhaps walking) in order to pick some flowers.
I remember to write you emails weekly. I never forget to write you emails weekly.
I stopped picking flowers. I ceased to pick flowers, I ended the action of picking flowers.
I stopped to pick flowers. I stopped another action (perhaps walking) in order to pick some flowers.
Note: As a general rule, verbs of preference (to like, to love, to hate, to prefer) are followed by a verb in the infinitive if precise actions are being referred to (eg: I hate to end this conversation, but I have to go.), and by a verb in the ing form when permanent tastes are being referred to (eg: I hate ending conversations prematurely.).
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