Subject + predicate + object

The subject and the object must be a noun or a pronoun; the predicate must be a verb. If you have to use a verb as the subject or the object in a sentence, you must change this verb into an infinitive or a gerund. That is, you have to put “to” before the verb (infinitive), or add “ing” to the end of the verb (gerund).

When we use a non-verb form (infinitives and gerunds) as an object, we need to be careful because some verbs must be followed by a gerund and some verbs must be followed by an infinitive.

e.g.

I enjoy music. (correct)
I enjoy listening to music. (correct)
I enjoy to listen to music. (incorrect)
I enjoy listen to music. (incorrect)

I decided to go home early today. (correct)
I decided go home early today. (incorrect)
I decided going home early today. (incorrect)

Here are three important lists of verbs:

a) Verbs that can be followed by both infinitives and gerunds

begin
start
like
love
hate
prefer
continue

try
remember
forget
regret
(These last 4 verbs can be followed by both, but the meanings are different.)

b) Verbs that can only be followed by gerunds

enjoy
mind
finish
avoid
deny
keep
consider
postpone
practice
quit
suggest

(The following phrases must be followed by gerunds.)
it’s no use
be busy
it’s worth
can’t help
have trouble (difficulty)

c) Verbs that can only be followed by infinitives

decide
expect
want
hope
manage
need
offer
plan
promise
refuse

You can add more verbs to the lists, but I think these are the important verbs that students need to remember first.