One rule that constantly confuses English learners is why it is sometimes possible to use "to" with a verb in "ing" form, such as "to eating". While it is uncommon to use "to" with a gerund (-ing) form, there are some cases where it's not only correct but necessary.

When you learned about “-ing” and “to” for the first time, it was probably in a situation something like this: He wants to make a massive cake. He enjoys making massive cakes. We use “to verb” after “want” and “-ing” after “enjoy.” Some verbs take “to” ( want to do ), some verbs take “-ing” ( enjoy doing ).

In English, the form V + -ing is called a gerund if it serves as a noun. For example, the gerund form of "run" is "running". (I like cats, I like dogs, I like running). However, not all V + ing forms are gerunds--in "I am running", "running" is another verb. 1) If the to is part of a phrasal verb or verb + preposition combination:

Other verbs in this group include avoid, can't help, consider, dislike, feel like, finish, give up, miss, practise and suggest. Like and love can be followed by the - ing form and the to + infinitive form. They are both correct. When want, learn and offer are followed by another verb, it must be in the to + infinitive form.