The quick answer

Some verbs are followed by to + base verb, such as want to go. Other verbs are followed by verb + -ing, such as enjoy reading. Say I want to go, not I want going; say I enjoy reading, not I enjoy to read.

The rule

There is no single rule for which verbs take which pattern — you learn them as pairs. Common to + verb verbs at this level: want, need, hope, decide, plan. Common verb + -ing verbs: enjoy, finish, stop, avoid, practise.

The second verb never changes for the subject: She wants to go, not She wants to goes; She enjoys reading, not She enjoys reads.

Form

Examples

• I want to visit the museum.
• She enjoys reading books.
• We need to buy milk.
• He finished doing his homework.
• They plan to travel next year.
• I avoid drinking coffee at night.

Common mistakes

• ❌ I want going home. → ✅ I want to go home. Want takes to + base verb, not -ing.
• ❌ She enjoys to swim. → ✅ She enjoys swimming. Enjoy takes -ing, not to.
• ❌ I want go home. → ✅ I want to go home. The word to must not be missed out.
• ❌ I enjoy do yoga. → ✅ I enjoy doing yoga. The -ing ending must not be missed out.