1. Subject of sentences 3. Verb after verbs 5. Verbs after prepositions 2. Object of sentences 4. Change in meaning

verb.

4. Change in meaning: With some verbs, both forms are possible but a difference in meaning is implied.

a. Remember doing something: I did it and now I remember this (after doing something) Ex: “I know I locked the door. I clearly remember locking it.” to do something: I remembered that I had to do something (before doing something) Ex: I remembered to lock the door but I forgot to shut the window.”

b. Need doing: it needs to be done Ex. The batteries in the radio need changing I need to do something: It is necessary for me to do it. Ex. I need to take more exercise.

c. Regret doing something: I did it and now I am sorry about it Ex: I regret saying what I said. I shouldn’t have said it. to do something: I am sorry that I have to say Ex: We regret to inform you that we cannot offer you the work

d. Try doing something: try something as an experiment or test. (Suggestions). Ex. The photocopier is not working. Try pressing the green button. to do something: make an effort. Ex: I was very tired. I tried to keep my eyes open, but I couldn’t.

5. Verbs after prepositions: when a verb is preceded by a preposition (of, on, at, etc), we use gerunds. Ex: Sam was tired of waking up early every morning.

Consider Deny Arrange Decide Enjoy Fancy Help Hope Finish Give up Manage Promise Miss Practice Refuse Want

Put off Risk Plan Fail Imagine Don’t mind Learn Forget

TO INFINITIVE

1. Subject of sentences: When we refer to verbs as activities, we use gerunds. Ex: Working with children can become an exhausting labour. Meeting my friends is one of the activities I enjoy the most. 2. Object of sentences: When the object of a sentence is a verb, we use gerunds. Ex: Charles hates walking his dog in winter. (what does he hate? walking his dog. Therefore, walking his dog is the object of the sentence.) 3. Verb after verbs: Second verb will take the form of a gerund or to infinitive depending on the first

Gerund or To Infinitive ?

VERB + GERUND VERB + TO INFINITIVE Avoid Can’t stand Afford Agree

GERUND

VERB VERB

Remember that we use gerunds and to infinitive forms in different situations. We have learnt the following ones:

agree aim appear arrange ask attempt be able beg begin care choose condescend consent continue dare decide deserve detest dislike expect

prepare proceed promise propose refuse remember say shoot start stop strive swear threaten try use wait want wish

fail forget get happen have hesitate hope hurry intend leap leave like long love mean neglect offer ought plan prefer

permit persuade prepare promise remind require send teach tell urge want warn

forbid force have hire instruct invite lead leave let like love motivate order pay

Verb Lists: Infinitives and Gerunds

Verbs Followed by an Infinitive

approve of argue about believe in care about complain about concentrate on confess to

plan on prevent (someone) from refrain from succeed in talk about think about worry about

depend on disapprove of discourage from dream about feel like forget about insist on object to

Verbs Followed by a Gerund admit advise appreciate avoid can't help complete consider delay deny detest dislike enjoy

escape excuse finish forbid get through have imagine mind miss permit postpone practice

quit recall report resent resist resume risk spend (time) suggest tolerate waste (time)

Exercises

1. He tried to avoid ________________ (answer) my question.

Complete each sentence with the most suitable verb in either gerund or to infinitive.

2. I’m still looking for a job but I hope ________________ (find) something soon.

3. I enjoy ________________ (listening) to music.

4. Don’t forget ________________ (post) the letter I gave you.

5. I considered ________________ (apply) for the job, but in the end I decided against it.

6. There was a lot of traffic but we managed ________________ (arrive) to the airport in time.

7. Jill has decided not ________________ (drive) a car.

8. Have you finished ________________ (read) the newspaper yet?

9. We need to change our routine. We can’t keep on ________________ (live) like this.

10. I don’t mind ________________ (lend) you the phone as long as you pay for all your calls.

If somebody calls, please remember to take a message.

I remember seeing that film. I can’t remember the ending though! You won’t regret doing this exercise. It’ll help you master these troublesome verbs.

Add the gerund or infinitive form of the verb in brackets.

1. We had to stay indoors all day as it wouldn’t stop ____________ (rain).

2. Leo prohibited his son ____________ (go) to the rock concert

3. A: Do you know how this coffee machine works?

B: I’ve no idea. Have you tried ____________ (press) the green button?

4. Although we gave the baby more milk she went on ____________ (cry).

5. The travel guide advised his group ____________ (not / drink) water from the

hotel taps. He also strongly advised ____________ (put on) plenty of insect repellent

before going out in the evening.

6. To get to the zoo from here you need ____________ (take) the number 10

bus and remember ____________ (get off) at the third stop.

7. “Don’t forget ____________ (check) your essays before you hand them

in” reminded the teacher.

8. Jack has never regretted ____________ (move) to Brazil, although it

meant ____________ (leave) behind family and wonderful friends.

9. After visiting the museum we stopped ____________ (have) a quick snack.

10. Your shirt needs ____________ (iron). It’s really creased.

11. “Can you lend me some money? I meant ____________ (go) to the cashpoint

this morning but I forgot.”

12. I tried ____________ (remember) the Spanish for post office but in the

end I needed ____________ (check) my phrase book.

13. We regret ____________ (inform) you that the hotel will be closed for

renovation until April.

14. Despite being asked several times to be quiet, Tim went on ____________ (talk).

15. Virginia’s never going to forget ____________ (swim) with sharks in Hawaii. It was a

such a thrill. In fact she’s now trying ____________ (persuade) her husband to go too.

GERUND OR INFINITIVE?

(Remember / Forget / Stop / Regret / Try etc)

The gerund

Gerund and infinitive

Put the verbs in brackets into the gerund.

1. Stop ____________ (argue) and start ____________ (work).

2. The children prefer ____________ (watch) TV to _________ (read).

3. I am against ____________ (make) any complaints.

4. I suggest ____________ (hold) another meeting next week.

5. We are looking forward to ____________ (read) your new book.

6. He is thinking of _________ (leave) his job and _________ (go) to America.

7. If you put your money into that business you risk ____________ (lose) every penny.

8. Is there anything here worth ____________ (buy)?

9. You'd better consult your lawyer before _______________ (decide) to buy the property.

10. By _________ (work) day and night he succeeded in ____________ (finish) the job in time.

Put the verbs in brackets into the correct form (gerund or infinitive).

1. My mother told me ____________ (not speak) to anyone about it.

2. I can't understand her ____________ (behave) like that.

3. He tried ____________ (explain) but she refused _______________ (listen).

4. You are expected _______________ (know) the safety regulations of the college.

5. I am prepared _______________ (wait) here all night if necessary.

6. Would you mind ____________ (show) me how ____________ (work) the lift?

7. I am beginning _______________ (understand) what you mean.

8. I regret __________________ (inform) you that your application has been refused.

9. He wore dark glasses _______________ (avoid) ______________ (be) recognized.

10. I tried _______________ (persuade) him ____________ (agree) with your proposal.