[Grammar] Prep + verb

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TitoBr

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Hello!

I know that these sentences are correct.

e.g.
I like to surf.
I like surfing.

What I don't know is how to explain this mistake.

e.g.
I like to surfing.

Cheers!
Tito
 

SoothingDave

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"Surfing" is a noun. You can't make it into an infinitive by adding a "to."

If you like apples, you wouldn't say "I like to apple."
 

MikeNewYork

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There are two general ways to turn a verb into a noun (called a verbal). One is the gerund (the -ing form) and the other is the infinitive (the to form).

"To surfing" is an unacceptable combination of the two forms.
 

5jj

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Before anyone asks. 'I am used to surfing' and 'I look forward to surfing' are not exceptions. There the 'to' is a preposition, not part of an infinitive, and it is normally followed by a noun, pronoun or gerund
 

MikeNewYork

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Good clarification, 5JJ.
 
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