I like playing soccer / I like to play soccer Both of these forms are possible, and for most native speakers, there is little or no difference. The gerund form (playing) tends to be used in British English and the infinitive form ( to play) is preferred in US English. This is a rare case where both forms are correct and mean more or less the same. I hope to make new friends. This is the only correct form. It is the same construction as: I want to make new friends. I wish to make new friends. I intend to make new friends. I plan to make new friends. I expect to make new friends. The only definite rule I can give you is that prepositions (,about, from, with, for, on, of and so on) are always followed by the gerund. He apologised for being late. I'm interested in finding out more information. I'm reading a book about building bridges. The obvious exception to this rule, of course, is 'to', which is often part of the infinitive form. But when 'to' is functioning as an ordinary preposition, that too is followed by a gerund, for example 'I'm looking forward to hearing from you'. Also remember that the gerund form is a kind of noun - that's why it follows a preposition. If you can substitute the verb for a noun with a similar meaning, then it is usually appropriate to use a gerund. For example, 'He apologised for his mistake' = 'He apologised for making a mistake. Otherwise, the best thing for you to do is to learn some set expressions and phrases that take the gerund or the infinitive. After a while, you'll get an instinct for what sounds right.

Hi Nico! This is actually a great question. There may be a rule to follow, however, I can't think of any. However, here are some examples of verbs you can use with other verbs, and when to use "to" or "ing." hate to/ing like to/ing love to/ing Examples: I hate to dance. / I hate dancing. I like to play soccer. / I like playing soccer. I love to make new friends. / I love making new friends. enjoy "ing" detest "ing" despise "ing" Examples: I enjoy dancing. I detest playing soccer. I despise making new friends. dream of ing Example: I dream of dancing. hope to wish to aspire to continue to Examples: I hope to dance in the future. I wish to play soccer when I grow up. I aspire to lead the future generation. I continue to study these days, even though I know my grades are low.