When one verb follows another, English forces a choice: , , . These patterns must largely be memorized, but there are useful regularities.
The gerund ( form as a noun)
A gerund behaves like a noun and can be a subject, object, or complement:
Subject:
After prepositions — always the gerund:
After certain verbs (see below):
is sometimes a preposition, not part of an infinitive — then it takes the gerund: , , , . \(\to\)
Verbs followed by the gerund
\(\to\) /
\(\to\)
Verbs followed by the -infinitive
Verb + object + -infinitive
:
\(\to\) ( never takes a -clause)
The bare infinitive
After modals:
After and + object: (but passive: )
After , both work:
Perception verbs + object: bare infinitive for a complete event, for one in progress: (whole action) vs. (in the middle of it).
Verbs taking either form
Little or no change of meaning
: (After , only the infinitive: )
Change of meaning
@lL5.1cmL5.1cm@ & + gerund & + to-infinitive
& past action remembered: & duty to do next:
& &
& quit an activity: & pause in order to do:
& experiment: & attempt something difficult:
& be sorry about the past: & formal bad news:
& involve: & intend:
& continue same activity: & change to a new activity:
Infinitive of purpose
Use + verb (or , more formal) to express purpose: \(\to\)
Exercises
Gerund or infinitive? Put the verb in brackets into the correct form.
I don’t mind
(wait), but I refuse
(queue) for more than an hour.
She agreed
(help) us
(organize) the event.
Have you finished
(write) the report?
He denied
(break) the window.
We’re looking forward to
(hear) from you.
They made us
(show) our ID cards.
Meaning pairs Explain the difference between the sentences in each pair.
(a) He stopped drinking coffee. (b) He stopped to drink a coffee.
(a) I remember posting the letter. (b) I must remember to post the letter.
(a) Try talking to her. (b) Try to talk to her.
(a) I saw the children play in the garden. (b) I saw the children playing in the garden.
Error correction Correct one error in each sentence.
I suggested to take a taxi.
She wants that her son studies medicine.
He left without to say goodbye.
I’m used to drive on the left now.
My parents let me to stay out late.
Avoid to travel during rush hour.