When you use two verbs together, there are some patterns you need to follow. 

   Some verbs are followed by an infinitive (to + verb). For example: 

     – She decided to rent the house.

     – It started to rain when I was in the park.

     – My father will try to fix the washing machine.

   Some common verbs followed only by infinitives are: agree, decide, demand, hope, learn, manage, offer, plan, pretend, promise, refuse, want.

   Some other verbs are followed by a gerund (verb + ing). For example:

     – My girlfriend enjoys taking pictures.

     – I finished washing the dishes and then I went to bed.

     – I will not risk losing all my money on that bet!

   Some common verbs followed only by gerunds are: admit, avoid, consider, deny, enjoy, finish, imagine, mind, miss, postpone, practice, quit, suggest, tolerate.

   Some verbs can be followed by either an infinitive or a gerund. For example:

     – I hate getting up early. / I hate to listen to babies crying.

     – She prefers working in the evenings. / We prefer to travel in the low season.

     – My son likes playing videogames. / Jenny likes to play tennis.  

   Some common verbs followed only by gerunds are: begin, continue, hate, like, love, prefer, start.