A. We use the infinitive with 'to' (to + verb e.g. to work)
- after certain verbs such as: agree, ask, plan, etc.
For example, I agree to play football. - after certain phrases such as: would like
For example, I would like to drink a cup of coffee.
B. We use the bare infinitive (infinitive without 'to' e.g. work)
- after certain verbs such as: can, could, may, etc.
For instance, I can speak English. - after certain phrases such as:
C. We use the gerund (verb + ing e.g. working)
- after certain verbs such as: avoid, dislike, enjoy
For instance, He usually avoids eating fast food. - after certain phrases such as:
- after adjective + preposition
- after noun + preposition
- verb + preposition
List of Verbs Followed by Gerunds and Infinitives Part 1
List of Verbs Followed by Gerunds and Infinitives Part 2
List of Verbs Followed by Gerunds and Infinitives Part 3