Verbs can be followed by either a gerund (verb + -ing) or an infinitive (to + base verb), but the choice depends on the main verb and the meaning of the sentence.

1. Gerunds (verb + -ing)

Gerunds act as nouns and often follow specific verbs, prepositions, and expressions.

• Common Verbs: enjoy, avoid, consider, miss, suggest
• Examples:
  • I enjoy reading books.
  • He avoids going to crowded places.

2. Infinitives (to + base verb)

Infinitives can follow certain verbs and are often used to express purpose.

• Common Verbs: want, decide, promise, plan, need
• Examples:
  • She decided to leave early.
  • They need to study more for the test.

Special Cases: Some verbs can take both gerunds and infinitives with a change in meaning.

• Examples:
  • I stopped smoking. (I quit the habit.)
  • I stopped to smoke. (I paused what I was doing to have a cigarette.)