Verb and ing form (gerund)

When we have two verbs together in a sentence, the form of the second verb is influenced by the first verb.

This table shows which verbs require the second verb to take the gerund (ing) form.

Verb + -ing

The gerund form (-ing) is used after certain verbs: avoid, admit, can't stand, deny, dislike, enjoy, hate, like, love, mind, practise.

I enjoy going to the cinema.
I don't like living in a city.

The gerund form (-ing) is used after a verb + preposition: insist on, look forward to, etc.

I'm looking forward to seeing you.
He insisted on seeing the shop manager.