What's the rule for verb + infinitive or -ING form?

Hi and welcome to the Espresso English podcast where you can improve your English in just a few minutes a day. My name is Shayna and I'm the teacher at Espresso English. Make sure to visit the website ispressoenglish.net where you can get online courses and e-books that will help you learn English even faster. Let's get started with today's lesson. A student asks, is there a rule for choosing the infinitive or the i-n-g form? I like to read or I like reading? Unfortunately, the answer is no. There's no rule. You just need to remember it for each verb. Some verbs that are followed by the infinitive include decide, hope, need, want, offer, plan, and promise. You decided to learn English, not decided learning English. Some verbs that are followed by the i-n-g form include avoid, enjoy, finish, practice, don't mind and can't stand. I avoid eating fast food, not avoid to eat. Like and love can be followed by both. I like to read, I like reading, I love to teach, I love teaching. But would like and would love can only be followed by the infinitive. I'd like to travel more. I'd love to join you for dinner. I highly recommend making your own example sentences with the verbs I mentioned in this lesson. This will help you remember them better. Give it a try in the comments. If you want more great English lessons, visit espressoenglish.net where you can sign up by email to receive a free e-book with 500 plus real English phrases. You'll also find online courses to help you improve your English fast, even if you don't have much time to study. Keep practicing your English and I hope you have a wonderful day.