[Grammar] Prep + verb

[TitoBr]

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]

"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]

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]

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]

Good clarification, 5JJ.