- Some verbs are followed by a to-infinitive but not -ing: agree, aim, ask, decline, demand, fail, hesitate, hope, hurry, manage, offer, plan, prepare, refuse, want, wish.
- Some verbs are followed by -ing but not a to-infinitive: admit, avoid, consider, delay, deny, detest, dread, envisage, feel like, finish, imagine, miss, recall, resent, risk, suggest.
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The verbs begin, cease, start, and continue can be followed by either a to-infinitive or an -ing form with little difference in meaning:
• Even though it was raining, they continued to play / playing.
However, with these verbs we normally avoid using two -ing forms together, as a repeated pattern can sound awkward:
• I'm starting to learn Swahili. (rather than I'm starting learning Swahili.)
The verbs advise and encourage are followed by -ing when there is no object and to-infinitive when there is one. Compare:
• I'd advise taking more exercise. and • I'd advise you to take more exercise.
Other verbs can be followed by either a to-infinitive or an -ing form, but there can be a difference in meaning. These include come, go on, mean, regret, remember, stop, try.
