Do not use the infinitive with certain words which require a preposition followed by a gerund or an –ing form.
Examples of such words and the preposition that usually go with them are given below:
Bent on
He is bent on attending the meeting. (NOT He is bent on to attend the meeting.) (NOT He is bent to attend the meeting.)
Desirous of
She is desirous of finding a good job. (NOT She is desirous to find a good job.)
Capable of
He is capable of doing it.
Chance of
I always knew that we had no chance of succeeding.
Aim at
We must aim at reaching the top of the mountain.
Assist in
Will you assist me in cleaning the windows?
Confident of
I am confident of winning.
Addicted to
He is addicted to gambling.
Fond of
She is fond of reading detective novels.
Prevent from
She prevented me from entering her house.
Insist on
She insisted on coming with me.
Expert in
He is an expert in making clay idols.
Intent on
I intent on visiting my old friends during the Christmas holidays.
Refrain from
One must refrain from hurting other people’s sentiments.
Excuse somebody for
Excuse me for being late.
Succeed in
She succeeded in getting the first prize.
