PC - B1 plus - Gerunds & Infinitives (V2)(W)

English Grammar & Use - B1+ Collection

Excuse me sir, what are Gerunds & Infinitives?

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Gerunds & Infinitives

Full Suite Modules 1 to 4

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This is a Module Suite

This Module Suite contains modules and units which cover The HOW, WHEN & WHY of using GERUND & INFINITIVE Forms It is a 'DIP IN & OUT' resource. Don't try to study the entire suite in a single session!

Learning Outcome:

Mastery of GERUND & INFINITIVE FORMS

Returning user?JUMP TO MODULE MENU

Gerund & Infinitive Forms

English Grammar & Use - B1+ Suite

A. What's Inside?

B. Who's it For?

Jump to Content

C. How to Navigate

D. Knowledge check for First Timers

First time here? Work through A to D for onboarding info >

OK, so...they were all wrong! The excercise was aimed at getting you to think about Gerunds & Infinitives now click HERE to go to the unit menu and to continue your learning journey.

A quick orientation challenge! Which, if any, of the following sentences are 'correct'

I think it's correct =

I think it's wrong =

Think carefully and be honest with yourself.

1. I work for make money.

6. I'm thinking to go on holiday soon.

Sorry! You were wrong ABOUT GOING not TO GO

Well done! You were correct: ABOUT GOING not TO GO

Sorry! You were wrong TO MAKE not FOR MAKE

Well done! You were correct: TO MAKE not FOR MAKE

7. I'm tired because I'm not used to work so hard

2. Hurry up! We risk to miss the film!!

Well done! You were correct: TO WORKING not TO WORK

Sorry! You were wrong MISSING not TO MISS

Sorry! You were wrong TO WORKING not TO WORK

Well done! You were correct: MISSING not TO MISS

8. Is your PC slow? Try to turn it off and then on again.

3. I stopped for have a coffee.

Well done! You were correct: TURNING not TO TURN

Sorry! You were wrong TURNING not TO TURN

Well done! You were correct: TO HAVE not FOR HAVE

Sorry! You were wrong TO HAVE not FOR HAVE

4. I stopped to smoke last year.

9. Oh no, I forgot paying the electricity bill.

Well done! You were correct: TO PAY not PAYING

Sorry! You were wrong TO PAY not PAYING

Well done! You were correct: SMOKING not TO SMOKE

Sorry! You were wrong SMOKING not TO SMOKE

5. I'm looking forward to go on holiday.

10. After to finish work with his colleagues, he went on having a drink with them.

Well done! You were correct: TO GOING not TO GO

Sorry! You were wrong TO GOING not TO GO

Well done! You were correct: AFTER FINISHING & WENT ON TO HAVE not TO FINISH/HAVING

Sorry! You were wrong AFTER FINISHING & WENT ON TO HAVE not TO FINISH/HAVING

Learn how to use gerunds & infinitives and avoid mistakes

A. Read sentences 1 to 7 and reflect on why they are wrong.

C. Click the icon for feedback.

B. Click on the errors to reveal/hide the correct form.

D. Click the icon to open the Home Page and continue your learning journey.

I work for make money.

1.

I work to make money.

2.

I'm looking forward to go on holiday.

I'm looking forward to going on holiday.

I'm thinking to go on holiday soon.

3.

I'm thinking about going on holiday soon.

We risk to miss our sales targets.

4.

We risk missing our sales targets.

5.

I'm tired because I'm not used to work so hard.

I'm tired becasue I'm not used to working so hard.

6.

Is your PC slow? Try to turn it off and on again.

Is your PC slow? Try turning it off and on again.

After 5 km I stopped to run.

7.

After 5 km I stopped running.

Content Menu

The Basics you ABSOLUTELY NEED TO KNOW at

B1 BASE Level

Verbs Followed by ING

Verbs Followed by TO

ADJECTIVES + TO

WH WORDS + TO

THE INFINITIVE OFPURPOSE

CONJUNCTIONS + ING

PREPOSITIONS + ING

ING FORM as SUBJECT

ING & TO 2 Some Important Specifics

Mid B1

Phraseswith ING

FutureInfinitives

LikeING/TO

Verbs with both G & I

Bare Infinitive

ING/TO 3WORKSHEET

ING & TO 3 Verbs & Changes in Meaning depending on ING & TO

B1 TOP

SEE HEARFEEL

REMEMBERFORGET

STOP

MEAN

NEED

REGRET

GO ON

TRY

ING & TO 4 Other ING & TO Forms

B1 TOP

Review & Reflection Tasks

Perfect

Continuous

Passive

Review Terminology

< review the challenge

Verbs + Gerund

The following verbs can be followed by nouns and by verb forms. When followed by a verb form, it is a gerund (ING form);

love* - adore - like* - enjoy* - hate* - detest* - can't stand* - can't bear* - (don't) mind* accuse s/b of - admit - anticipate* - avoid* - be worth* - consider - delay* - deny - discover* - discontinue - dispute* - dread* - fancy* feel like - find* - finish - foresee* - imagine* - justify* - keep - mention* - miss* - overhear* - postpone* - practice - prevent* - propose recommend - recall* - resent* - resume - risk* - spend time - suggest - think - tolerate* - understand* - waste time

s/b = somebody

Verb Patterns & examples

CLICK the SHAPES below to see

(that + subject + verb phrase)

• I suggest (that) you buy a new car.
• I anticipate / foresee (that) you will have some problems.
• We discovered (that) he was hiding in an abandoned building.

4. Many of the verbs can be followed by a that clause

1. Most of the verbs can be followed by a noun/pronoun:

• I love really good food.
• I enjoy football.
• I suggest a new car.

• I tolerate the traffic.
• I'm practicing my French.
• I foresee problems ahead.

The focus of the phrase is on the object.

5. Negative gerund: Not + ING

• I dread not passing my exams
• I hate not being on time (= I hate being late).
• I suggest not repairing your car, but buying a new one.

2. When followed by a gerund, the focus is on the action expressed by the gerund:

• I love cooking really tasty meals.
• I enjoy watching football, not playing it.
• I suggest buying a new car.

• I can't tolerate driving in traffic.
• I'm practicing speaking French.
• I foresee having problems ahead.

3. Many of the verbs (*) can be followed by a pronoun then a gerund:

• I hate you being late.
• I recall you being there.
• I foresee you having some problems.

• We discovered him hiding in an abandoned building.
• We found him stealing your car.
• It's not worth you doing that. It won't fix your problem.

Verb + ING continues

Download the verb list >

Learning the verbs will require regular practice & repetition.

3. Sentence Transformation.

1. Listen to some examples and repeat them.

Click here to reveal/hide the phrases.

Use the verbs in brackets to create a sentence which means the same as these:

1. I enjoy reading in bed. 2. Have you finished tidying your room? 3. I want to go on working until I'm 60. 4. I hate being late when I'm meeting someone. 5. I like having breakfast in a cafe. 6. I love waking up on a sunny morning. 7. I don't mind doing the ironing. It's quite relaxing. 8. She spends hours talking on the phone. 9. It started raining at 5.30 in the morning. 10. Please stop making so much noise. I can't think. 11. I don't feel like cooking today. Let's go out for lunch.

3.2. In my job I have to meet a lot of people. (involve)

3.4. We expect to double our turnover this year. (anticipate)

3.3. Why don't you get in touch with the supplier? (suggest)

3.1. There's a danger of losing business to our competitors.(risk)

Click here to reveal suggested answers

3.1 We risk losing business to our competitors.3.2 My job involves meeting a lot of people.3.3 I suggest contacting the supplier.3.4 We anticipate doubling our turnover this year.

4. Gerund or Infinitive Vortex Gameshort list

Click on the icon to play.The game will open in a new window/tab.

How quickly can you sort the verbs into the correct Vortex? The top time is 110 seconds - can you beat that? If the verb is usually followed by a gerund, drag it to the "ING" vortex if the verb is usually followed by an infinitive, drag it to the "TO" vortex

2. Select some verbs you are not so familiar with using.

1. Write example sentences which are meaningful for you.
2. Repeat the sentences everyday for a week.
3. Select a new set of verbs and repeat steps 1 & 2.

• I understand spending €3 on a pandoro, but I won't tolerate spending €9!

Prepositions + Gerund

1. Use a gerund after prepositions & phrasal verbs to describe actions:

• He gave up smoking.

• I often put off doing the ironing because I can't stand doing it.

• She insisted on paying for lunch.

• We can't keep on living like this, we must make some changes.

• I'm fed up with working 10 hours a day.

• I can't decide between going to Greece or staying in Italy this summer.

• I'm pretty good at skiing.

• I'm very keen on surfing.

• I'm thinking about resigning from my job to set up my own business.

• I was lucky. I got my job by being in the right place at the right time.

• He sometimes worries about losing his job.

• I'm interested in attending one of your courses. Can you give me some more information?

• He was charged with driving dangerously.

• I'm bored of watching this film. Let's change channel.

2. To is a preposition in the expressions below:

• I'm looking forward to going on holiday.

• I'm used to living in the city now, so I don't miss living in the country.

• I got used to working the night shift quite quickly.

• I'm open to working this weekend if you need me.

• After saying hello to me, he returned to reading his book.

• I'll see to booking the venue if you see to selecting the caterers.

• I object to having to work late so often.

• He seems to be addicted to working out at the gym.

TO + ING

3. If you don't need to describe an action, prepositions and phrasal verbs are followed by nouns which name things or describe situations. Compare:

Things & Situations Actions a) She insisted on lunch b) She insisted on paying for lunch a) I'm good at mathematics b) I'm good at skiing a) I'm used to life in Rome now. b) I'm used to living in Rome now.

Before - After - Without - While - Despite/in spite of + GERUND

NB: With before, after & while, you can use a subject & verb in the correct tense instead of a gerund After he got up, he had a shower. 1 While I was driving to work, I called my wife. 2 After he had been working all day, he went home. 3 but using a gerund is simpler and shorter.

1.1

After getting up, he had a shower. 1 While driving to work, I phoned my wife. 2 After working all day, he went home. 3

She switched off her PC before leaving the office.

1.

They left the house without turning off the lights.

Despite arriving a little late, I didn't miss seeing the opening credits of the film.

In spite of knowing a lot about the subject, I found his presentation difficult to follow.

2.

He was so tired that he went to bed without having dinner.

She left without saying a word.

Never Say: Before to - After to - Without to - Despite to

GERUNDS as the SUBJECT of a SENTENCE

1. Using a gerund as a subject helps emphasise the gerund action as the central focus of the sentence.

• Living in big cities can be expensive.

• Flying from Rome to New York takes over 8 hours.

• Voting is important in a democracy.

• Travelling by train is usually cheaper than flying.

• Training to become a doctor usually takes between 5 to 8 years.

• Reviewing this guide a few times will help you remember how to use gerunds and infinitives.

• Not filing your tax declaration on time can result in fines.

2. Perfect gerunds can also be used as a subject:

• having + past partciple

This use doesn't add emphasis (see above), it substitutes a because + subject-verb phrase. e.g.

• Having been there before, I didn't need a guidebook.

(Because I had been there before...)

• Having known him for a long time, I wasn't surprised by his reaction.

(Because I have known him for a long time...)

3. We use a gerund as subject also in these structures:

• My idea of a good holiday is treking in the Alps.
• Treking in the Alps is my idea of a good holiday.
• What I like is sunbathing on a tropical beach.
• Qu) What's your earliest memory? Ans) Going to school when I was 5.

Verbs + Infinitive

These verbs can be followed by nouns, prepositions etc, but when followed by another verb, the verb is an infinitive form.

agree - advise - afford - allow* - appear - arrange - ask* - attempt - beg* - be keen - (not) care - choose* - claim - dare* - decide - demand - deserve - defy** - encourage - expect* - fail - force** - hope - instruct - inspire** - intend* - learn - manage - offer - oblige** pay* - plan pretend - prepare - persuade - promise - prove - refuse - remind** - seem - strive - struggle - swear - teach** - tend - threaten train - urge* - use** - used to - vow - wait - want* - warn - would hate* - would like* - would prefer* - yearn

Verb Patterns & examples

CLICK the SHAPES below to see

4. These verbs can be followed by a that clause:

• We have decided (that) you should go to the meeting.
• It seems (that) you have been given a fine.
• We warned him (that) he would be sanctioned if he was late again.
• We expected (that) they would agree to our contract terms.

decide - plan - demand - expect - hope - wish - promise - agree learn - pretend - seem - advise - teach - tell - warn - vow

(that + subject + verb phrase)

1. Some of the verbs above can be followed by noun or pronoun & noun: e.g.

• I want a break.
• I chose a tasty looking sandwich for lunch.
• He offered some help.
• She learnt Japanese.
• Don't defy the law!
• He promised me the world.

2. Many of the verbs (*) above can be followed by pronoun then infinitive: e.g.

• I want you to go to the meeting.
• I begged her to help me.
• We warned him not to go.

5. The negative infinitive is: NOT TO

• We decided not to go out due to the rain.
• Jim) Did you buy the house? John) No, I decided not to.

3. Some verbs (**) are always followed by a pronoun then infinitive in active sentences: e.g.

• I reminded her to pay the bill.
• He taught me to drive.
• Manga inspired me to learn Japanese.
• They obliged me to work.
• The storm forced me to take shelter.

Verb + TO continues

Learning the verbs will require regular practice & repetition.

1. Listen to some examples and repeat them.

3. Sentence Transformation.

3.1. The subject is easy. I'm sure I'll pass the exam. (expect)

3.2. "Paul, Could you lend me €5 'till tomorrow?" (ask)

3.3. I'm going to Barbados for my holidays this year. (decide)

Use the words in brackets to make a sentence which means the same as these:

Click here to reveal/hide the phrases.

1. We've decided to go to France for our holiday. 2. Don't forget to turn off all the lights. 3. We hope to see you again soon. 4. I'm learning to drive. My test's next month. 5. I need to go to the supermarket. We don't have any milk. 6. He offered to help me with my CV. 7. They're planning to get married soon. 8. He pretended to be ill, but he wasn't really. 9. He promised to pay me back when he gets a job. 10. Remember to bring your dictionaries to class tomorrow. 11. It was very cloudy and started to rain. 12. I'm trying to find a job, but it's very hard. 13. I want to catch the 6 o'clock train. 14. I'd like to buy a new car next month..

Click here to reveal suggested sentences.

3.1 I expect to pass the exam, the subject is easy. 3.2 I asked Paul to lend me €5 'till tomorrow.3.3 I have decided to go to Barbados for my holidays this year.

4. Gerund or Infinitive Vortex Gameshort list

2. Select some verbs you are not so familiar with using.

1. Write example sentences which are meaningful for you.
2. Repeat the sentences everyday for a week.
3. Select a new set of verbs and repeat steps 1 & 2.

• I vowed never to make mistakes with infinitives again!

How quickly can you sort the verbs into the correct Vortex? The top time is 110 seconds - can you beat that? If the verb is usually followed by a gerund, drag it to the "ING" vortex if the verb is usually followed by an infinitive, drag it to the "TO" vortex

Click on the icon to play.The game will open in a new window/tab.

WHAT - HOW - WHERE- WHO - WHEN - WHETHER plus INFINITIVE

• I don't know what to do.

• She showed me how to do it.

• We need to decide where to have dinner this evening.

• Do you know who to ask for help about this issue?

• He emailed me details of when to come.

• I don't know whether to take the job or not.

• Can you show me how to insert a table in Excel?

• I wonder what to do about my back pain.

• I explained how to do it last week.

NB: The WH... + Infinitive structure is common after these verbs: ask - know - decide - remember - forget - explain wonder - learn - understand

ADJECTIVES plus INFINITIVE

1. Adjectives are often followed by infinitives

2. Adjectives with too & enough plus infinitive

• It's expensive to live in big cities.

• It's not easy to find a needle in a haystack.

• I'm pleased to meet you.

• She is ready to go.

• It's necessary to buy a ticket before boarding the train.

• It's not hard to remember how to use infinitives.

• What's the most interesting thing to do in Rome?

• It's important for me to pass my next exam.

• It's difficult to get him to change his mind

• It's quite easy to get used to using crutches.

• She's not old enough to drive
• She's too young to drive

• I'm too tired to cook, let's order a pizza.
• It's too hot to play tennis today.

• Some cars are too small to fit a family in.
• Some cars are not big enough to fit a family in.

• Microbes are too small to see without using a microscope.
• Microbes aren't big enough to be seen without using a microscope

NB: This use helps emphasise the adjective as the central focus of the sentence.

INFINITIVES show the purpose of an action.

Use an infinitive to express WHY you performed a particular action.

Qu) Why did you stop working? Ans) I stopped working to have a coffee break.

You can simply answer the question with; to have a coffee or for a coffee. Never say for have a coffee

• I'm thinking about resigning to set up my own business.

• On my way home from the office, I stopped to get petrol.

• Because I was hungry, I stopped to eat.

• After running 6km, I stopped to have a rest for a few moments

(i.e. I stopped running to have a rest)

• Qu: Why did you buy this recycled paper? It keeps jamming the printer!
• A: To help save the environment. It was cheaper too.

• I gave up smoking to improve my health.

• He quit eating cheese to lose weight.

• I went to Florence to visit the Uffizi.

• Do you eat to live, or live to eat?

• Qu: Why did they change office location?
• A: To be closer to their clients.

You can also use in order to, but this sounds rather formal.

• NEVER say For to go or For Go.

• NEVER put for in front of a verb.

• PUT 'for' in front of a noun (e.g. for lunch/for cleaning)

Gerunds & Infinitives Summary Table of the Basic Rules

Like - Love - Prefer - Hate

These verbs are most commonly used with a gerund, but can also take the infinitive with a slight change in meaning:

1. Use with a gerund to show your general feelings:

• I like* walking in the park.

• I love being on the beach when it's sunny.

• In general, I hate being late.

2. Use an infinitive to show what you think is a good/bad idea or to give a specific preference:

• I don't like to walk in the park after dark. means: I don't think it's a good idea/I prefer not to

• I like to pay my taxes on time, but I don't like* paying them. means: I think it's a good idea to pay tax on time, not that I enjoy doing it.

• I usually like* eating out, but on Saturdays I like to eat at home because the restaurants are too busy.

• I don't like* going to the dentist at all, but I like to go twice a year for a check-up.

please note that you can replace like with enjoy where there is * above.

Reflect on the examples below. Click on your choice to reveal the correct answer

sitting

to sit

sitting

to sit

near to the emergency exit.

1. When flying, I like

flying

flying

to fly

to fly

2. I like , it doesn't scare me at all.

to bed early.

going

to go

going

to go

3. If I'm tired, I like

Begin - Start - Continue - Bother - Intend

2. Sometimes a gerund follows a progressive verb, e.g.

1. These common verbs use either the gerund or the infinitive with no change in meaning:

• I'm going shopping now. See you later.

• I'm enjoying reading this book.

• I'm practicing speaking like an American for my next film role.

• I love going skiing in the winter
• I'm consiwdering buying a new car
• We're enjoying staying with you, thanks for inviting us.

The baby has begun crying. The baby has begun to cry. It started raining. It started to rain. He continued driving, despite the heavy snow storm. He continued to drive, despite the heavy snow storm. Don't bother tidying the kitchen, I'll do it later. Don't bother to tidy the kitchen, I'll do it later. He intends buying a new car soon. He intends to buy a new car soon.

2.1 Progressive + gerund is common with these verbs; enjoy - go - practice - consider

1.2 However, if the first verb is progressive, use an infinitive.

It's starting to rain. not It's starting raining. He's continuing to drive... not He's continuing driving. I'm not bothering to tidy the kitchen tonight. not I'm not bothering tidying the kitchen tonight.

Use a BARE* INFINITIVE with

*an infinitive without to, e.g. Go

MAKE e.g. My boss made me clean his car! Double parking makes me see red! My parents made me help around the house when I was young.

Would rather e.g. I'd rather not go! I'd rather have a pizza, instead of pasta again. I'd rather finish the report today than do it tomorrow morning.

LET e.g. Let me go! Let me think about it Hold on. Don't let go!

Help e.g. Please help me carry the bags. She helped me prepare my presentation.

Had better e.g. I'd better go now, it's getting late.

You'd better not have another drink if you're going to drive home.

Daren't (dare not) e.g. I daren't tell him I scratched his car! I daren't think about it. I daren't weigh myself after Christmas.

and after Modal verbs

I will do it. He can ski well. Always tired? You should try sleeping more. You must be more relaxed now you are retired. I might go on holiday soon. It's not a sure thing, but I'm thinking about it. You shouldn't have bought that jacket. It really doesn't suit you. Your flight had a lot of turbulence? That must have been scary.

NB: the semi-modals have to & ought to use the full infinitive.

Common expressions with GERUNDS

Can't/Couldn't face + ING

Means not wanting to do something or deal with something

• I can't face going to work tomorrow.

• I can't face doing the accounts now. I'll do them later.

• I can't face seeing her again after what I said. I'm too embarrased.

Can't/Couldn't help + ING

Means "I'm not able to stop myself from doing/being/etc"

• I can't help feeling anxious before doing exams.

• I can't help laughing even though it's not funny.

• I can't help wondering where I'll be in five years' time.

There's no use + ING & It's no good + ING

Expresses that doing something is a complete waste of time/effort.

• There's no use calling him for help, he's on holiday in Barbados.

• It's no good taking an umbrella if there's going to be a hurricane.

Have trouble/difficulty/problems + ING

Expresses that something isn't easy

• I'm having trouble booking a table for tonight.

• I had some difficulty fixing the table in excel.

There's no/little point (in) + ING

Expresses that doing something has no or little advantage or is a partial waste of time/effort.

• There's little point planning a picnic. It's going to rain.

• There's no point asking him. He won't know.

I think doing X is better than doing Y.

Common structure when comparing options.

• I think that buying an off-the-shelf software solution is better than trying to make one ourselves.
• I think going by train will be quicker than flying.

To be busy + ING

• I'll be busy cleaning the flat all weekend.

• I didn't hear your phone call. I was busy playing guitar.

Expresses that your time is occupied doing something.

It's a waste of NOUN + ING

• It's a waste of time calling the help line, it's always busy.

• It's a waste of money buying things that you don't need.

• It's a waste of effort cleaning the car before a storm.

"Future" Infinitives

The following forms all reference future actions and situations.

For more about a) see the SURFACE Module '3Futures' & For more about b) see the SURFACE Module 'Predictions'

1. To Be Going To

Used when a) we report decisions which we have already made & b) we predict future events based on current situations or evidence.

1a) In both cases the speaker is using going to to report a decison which they took before telling someone about it. Going to can be substituted with have decided to.

1b) In both cases the speaker is using going to to predict a future event based on some form of evidence

Common sources of evidence include: 1. Our senses: It looks like/I feel like... 2. News & Weather reports

It's going to snow later today according to my weather app.

I'm going to wash the car later.

I'm going to skip lunch today, I've got too much work to do.

That wall looks like it's going to fall down soon. You'd better get it repaired.

In colloquial spoken English & informal writing going to is substituted by gonna. The 'a' in gonna represents the 'to' in going to

To indicate that we have already decided on something that will be in progress at a specific future time we can use to be going to be + ING

I'm gonna be wearing a pink jacket so that you can recognise me when we meet tomorrow.

I'm gonna have a coffee after the meeting.

When a future event happens according to a pre-arranged schedule or timetable, we can use this form to talk about the schedule.

He's due to get here any minute now.

The train is due to arrive in 5 minutes

3. To Be Due To

The 'scheduled' future

When a future event is very near we often use to be about to to communicate a sense of urgency.

Shh! The concert's about to begin.

Hurry Up! The train's about to leave!!

2. To Be About To

The 'immediate' future

The UK Prime Minister is to visit Italy next week.

Generally used only in formal register and journalism to indicate future events.

5. To Be To

The 'formal/journalistic' future

When we have 'reason to believe' that an event happens at a future point, we can use to be expected to. It is similar in meaning to the modal verb should

She is expected to pass the exam.

He is expected to arrive by 7pm, traffic permitting.

5. To Be Expected To

The 'should happen' future

Stop DOING something or Stop TO DO something ?

Stop can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive, but there is a difference in meaning.

1. Use STOP + ING when you want name an action which was terminated or interrupted.

nb: STOP + NOUN, e.g. I stopped the car, focusses on the noun. I stopped driving the car focusses on the action.

I stopped working at 6pm.

Stop to means: interrupt doing one action in order to do a different action.

2. Use Stop + TO when you want to specify the reason why you interrupted an action.

We can also say: I stopped for a coffee Never say: I stopped for have a coffee

I stopped to have a coffee at 11am.

I stopped working to have a coffee.

3. Sentences which clearly state both what & why are not so common in spoken English.

Other typical examples:

a. I stopped the car to check the tyre pressures. (i.e. I stopped driving (why?) to make sure the pressure of my tyres was ok)

b. They stopped me at customs to go through my bags. (i.e. The customs officers interrupted my journey to see what was in my bags)

c. When it started snowing, we stopped work to go outside and have a snowball fight. (i.e. we interrupted our work in order to play)

d. Although we stop going to school at a certain age, we should never stop learning.

Reflect, then click to see the correct forms.

I stopped to work at 11am.

I stopped for have a coffee.

for petrol.

for petrol.

I stopped to have/for a coffee.

I stopped working at 11am.

getting petrol.

On my way home I stopped

getting petrol.

It stopped to rain after an hour.

to get petrol.

to get petrol.

It stopped raining after an hour.

Remember/Forget DOING something or Remember/Forget TO DO something ?

Remember & Forget can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive, but there is a BIG difference in meaning.

I remember meeting him at conference last year.

1.1 Recall doing something = remember doing something.

1. We remember doing things only after we do them.

Means I remember now that I met him last year. I haven't forgotten meeting him.

1.2 That clauses are common after remember & forget instead of ING

• I remember (that) you went to New York last year.
• I forgot (that) you speak Spanish.

Further examples

• I don't remember saying that I'd cook tonight.

• I remember buying some wine, but I can't find it. Have you drunk it?

• I'll never forget seeing the Colosseum for the first time.

Clarification & Alternative expressions!

Listen to these examples. Repeat them, then make your own example phrases.

Click to show/hide the phrase.

I remember going to Venice as a child.

Click to show/hide the phrase.

I'll never forget seeing the Taj Mahal.

2.3 We use the imperative to remind people to do things:

• Remember to pay the invoice today.
• Don't forget to pay the invoice today.

2.1 We remember to do things before we do them.

2.2 Remember to & Don't forget to is used more frequently that the +ING use

Remember to lock the door.

I never forget to lock the door.

When we REMEMBER TO DO things, WE REMEMBER FIRST, THEN DO THE THING EXPRESSED BY THE INFINITIVE This is the complete opposite of REMEMBER DOING things where we DO THINGS FIRST THEN REMEMBER THEM LATER

Reflect, then click which form you think is correct.

1. I clearly remember milk yesterday.

buying

to feed

being

2. I never forget the dog.

3. Nobody remembers born!

feeding

to be

to feed

to be

being

to buy

buying

to buy

feeding

But mothers never forget giving birth!!

Try DOING something or Try TO DO something ?

Try can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive, but there is a BIG difference in meaning.

1. Try + ING means DO SOMETHING AS AN EXPERIMENT

Do the experiment to see if: 1. it solves a problem for us. 2. we like doing it or 3. we are able to do it.

I tried counting sheep* to get to sleep.

Context*: I couldn't get to sleep so I experimented with counting sheep to see if it solved my insomnia problem.

Further examples

• If you can't sleep, why don't you try using melatonin or passiflora tablets?

• The soup was too salty, so I tried adding more water. It was still too salty though.

• I had tried jogging, cycling and working out in the gym before falling in love with swimming.

1.1 Try + gerund is often used to make suggestions:

• Do you want to give up smoking? Try using nicotene patches or gum, they can help.

• If you have issues with our product, you should try reading the FAQ on our website or calling our helpline.

1.2 The past tense, i.e. I tried using/calling etc, means that you did something but has implications: 1. that the action did not resolve a problem or 2. that you didn't enjoy it.

1. I tried using nicotene gum to stop smoking, but it didn't help.
2. I tried skiing once, but it wasn't for me.

SUGGESTIONS

2. Try + TO* means make an effort or an attempt to do something .

I tried to stay awake, but I fell asleep.

2.1 The tenses try to - be trying to - I'll try to imply difficulty & that success is not guaranteed.

• I'm trying to concentrate. (concentration is difficult)
• Qu) Can you finish the report by 5pm? Ans) I'll try to.

2.2 The past and present perfect tenses, tried to & have tried to, mean you attempted to do something but failed to actually do it. NB* you can substitute TRY TO with ATTEMPT TO

• I tried to climb Gran Sasso in flip flops, but I twisted my ankle and gave up. (I failed in my attempt to climb Gran Sasso)

• I tried to phone you yesterday, but my battery died.

Further examples

• Please try to persuade the client to buy more.

• Many people had tried to build a flying machine before the Wright brothers' successful first flight.

• I tried to book a table for 9pm but the restaurant was all booked up.

• Please try to arrive on time. It's an important meeting.

Try continues

Reflect on these cases

Click a) or b) below to reveal feedback.

2. In which case, a) or b), did you actually take a headache pill?

1. In which case, a) or b), did you actually ask the manager for help?

I needed some help so I tried asking my manager.

a)

I tried to take a headache pill.

a)

b)

I needed some help so I tried to ask my manager.

I tried taking a headache pill.

b)

Try without ING or TO:

1. Removal of the gerund action to focus on a noun phrase

• I tried Karate to see if I liked it - instead of - I tried doing Karate to see if I liked it
• I tried my friend's new IPhone - instead of - I tried using my friends new IPhone.

5. Colloquial spoken English: Try and

• Please try and come to the party.
• I'll try and finish the report by 5.
• I'm gonna try and arrive on time.

5.1 The AND replaces TO in this structure.

• Used only in imperatives, present simple & futures.
• In normal speech the sound is "un" not "and"
• Listen to the examples and try to mimic them.

2. Try something out (test something to see if you like it or that it is satisfactory)

• I tried a new car out last week (Ihad a test drive).
• The company let me try out their product on a 14-day trial period.

3. With food/drink & other objects.

• This cake is delicious. Do you want to try some?
• You should try the new Mexican restaurant in town. It's great.
• Can I try your new smartwatch? I'm considering buying one.

4. Try clothes on (test size & style by wearing clothes before you buy them).

• I don't buy clothes online because I like to try things on before buying them.
• I regret not trying on these shoes before buying them. They're a bit tight.

Go on DOING something or Go on TO DO something ?

Go on can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive, but there is a difference in meaning.

1. Go on + ING means continuing the same action without interruption or restarting something after an interruption.

He went on talking for hours.

After a short break, he went on working.

1.1 Go on/Keep on/Carry on + ING all have a similar meaning:

• Although I asked him to slow down, he kept on driving too fast.

2. Go on + TO means there is a change in action. Move forward from one thing to another.

After working as Marketing Director, he went on to become the CEO.

2.1 This use is common with scenarios that happen in stages:

• After completing stage 1, he went on to start stage 2.
• After completing my basic education, I went on to obtain a degree.

Reflect on these examples then Click an ING/TO option to see the correct form.

to study

3. I can't go on .................. , I'm too tired.

1. First he studied the basics of physics, then went on ................. advanced concepts.

2. He studied the basics of physics and went on ................. until he was an expert.

studying

studying

to study

studying

studying

to study

to study

running

to run

to run

running

Regret DOING something or Regret TO DO something ?

Regret can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive, but there is a difference in meaning.

I regret being so rude to her.

1. Regret + ING means we did something and we are now sorry we did it. We regret things after we do them.

I SHOULDN'T have said that! I regret saying it now!

Yeah! I bet you WISH you hadn't said it!!

1.1 I regret not studying harder for the test.

Means we didn't do something which we are now sorry we didn't do.

Grammar & Fluency Extension!

Means we did something which we are not sorry we did.

1.2 I don't regret getting married.

Trenitalia regrets to inform passengers that the 10.40 train to Milan is cancelled.

2. Highly Formal English Register: used to communicate unwelcome news.

• Common only in institutional & business contexts where formality is the norm.
• To inform is the most common verb.

I regret to admit that I made a few mistakes in the report.

3. Regret to say/tell you/to admit: used when you have to communicate something which puts you in a negative light or is uncomfortable to communicate due to its nature.

• I regret to tell you that your pet frog didn't survive the surgery.
• I regret to say that I won't arrive in time for the meeting.

3.1 In this use, you don't actually 'regret' the situation. You regret that you have to communicate it. You could also use: I'm sorry to.

It Needs DOING or We Need TO DO it ?

Need can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive, but there is a difference in meaning.

Further examples

• Your hair is getting very long. I think it needs cutting.
• This room is very messy. It needs tidying.
• My Granny is 90, she can't look after herself - she needs looking after.

Need + gerund has a passive meaning, but doesn't use a passive construction.The passive for 'The car needs cleaning' is 'The car needs to be cleaned'.

1. Need + ING focuses attention on what needs to happen to the subject of the sentence. It doesn't say who needs to do the action.

The car needs cleaning.

You need to clean the car.

2. Need + TO focuses on what action it is necessary for the subject to take.

Further examples

• We need to hurry if we don't want to miss the train.
• You need to go to the hairdresser and get your hair cut.

Necessity.

3. Don't say 'I have necessity to' in English. Say 'I need to'.

4. 'There is no necessity to' is slighly more formal than 'There is no need to'

No Necessity.

Needn't: e.g. You needn't go to the meeting

5. Needn't is a slightly more formal way of saying 'don't need to'.

• It's used more in British than American English.
• Note that you use an infinitive without to after needn't.

Need you? e.g. Need you go to the meeting?

6. Need I/you/he/she/we/they is a slightly more formal way of saying 'Do you really have to?' / 'Is it really necessary?'

• Note that you use an infinitive without to after this form.

Mean DOING or Mean TO DO ?

Mean can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive, but there is a difference in meaning.

Preparation for a marathon means having to run long distances regularly*.

Further examples.

• Going to America from Europe means taking a long flight.
• Globalisation means being active in every major market.
• Doing a degree means studying for a minimum of 3 years.

1. Mean + ING expresses that one thing necessitates or involves doing another thing/other things.

*i.e. If you want to run a marathon, you have to run long distances regularly.

2. Mean + TO expresses intention to do something.

• Lack of intention is expressed with not mean to.
• You can substitute MEAN TO with INTEND TO

I didn't mean to upset you last weekend. I meant to call you yesterday to apologize.

3. Uses 1 & 2 above are different from To Mean = To Signify

• qu) What does defenestrate mean?
• ans) It means to remove someone from a position of power or authority.

4. Be aware of potential abiguity between:

• What did you mean to say? (What did you intend to say?)

• What did you mean to her? (What did you signify to her?)

Verbs of perception: See - Hear - Feel + ING or Bare Infinitive ?

These verbs can be followed by either a gerund or a bare infinitive, but there is a difference in meaning.

1. When followed by a gerund the meaning is that we heard - saw - felt either;

• an action while it was in progress (part of the action, not all of it)

or

• a repeated action

I saw him driving a blue Maseratti. I heard her playing Beethoven. I felt the earth quaking.

2. When followed by a bare infinitive the meaning is that we heard - saw - felt either;

• the whole of an action from start to finish

or

• perceived something at the moment it happened*

(*perception of event & the event itself are simultaneous)

I saw him drive away in a blue Maseratti. I heard her play Beethoven in Berlin. I felt the temperature change suddenly.

Compare:

• I felt a wasp stinging me (repeated action - many stings)
• I felt a wasp sting me (one sting - perceived as it happened)

Compare:

• I saw the man driving (While he was driving, I saw him).
• I saw the man drive into a wall (I saw the moment of impact).

The gerund/bare infinitive distinction described in 1 & 2 above also applies to: Watch - Listen - Notice

In which sentence did you see the names of all the actors, technicians etc at the end of the film? Click on your choice to find out.

Which sentence is correct? Click on your choice to find out.

a) I watched the film's credits roll, then left the cinema.

a) I watched the film's credits roll, then left the cinema.

b) I watched the film's credits rolling, then left the cinema.

b) I watched the film's credits rolling, then left the cinema.

a) I saw the bullet hitting the target.

a) I saw the bullet hitting the target

Now watch a bullet hitting a target

b) I saw the bullet hit the target.

b) I saw the bullet hit the target

Click here for feedback

Review Verbs followed by the Infinitive Form

CONTINUOUS INFINITIVE

• TO BE + ING

For verbs that are followed by infinitve form: If we need to express that an action is/was in progress at a specific time, we use the CONTINUOUS INFINITIVE

1.

• To be + ING or be + ING (after Modal verbs)

PRESENT ongoing actions

• Paramedic: "He seems to be breathing"
• He's pretending to be working, but he isn't working!.
• You must be joking.

• He should be working, not playing.

PAST ongoing actions

• Paramedic: "He seemed to be breathing"
• He pretended to be working, but he wasn't working!.

2. If the continuous action happened in the past, we can choose to use the PERFECT CONTINUOUS INFINITIVE

• TO HAVE BEEN + ING

• He claimed to have been driving at only 20km per hour when the accident happened.

• He was believed to have been living under a false identity while on the run last year

• Yesterday, we should have been working, not playing.

'Perfect Continuous Infinitive' or 'That XX Was + ING'?

• to be + ING or to have been + ING ?

3. Selecting the correct form:

• I should have been planning the congress, not thinking about my holidays.
• He must have been sleeping.

3.1 If the first verb is in the past tense you can often use both forms with no real change in meaning. It's more common to use the to be + ing form.

• He appeared to be making progress.

• He appeared to have been making progress.

3.2 If the first verb is a Modal Verb and an action was in progress in the past, we must use: have been + ING

Review Verbs followed by the ING Form

Perfect Gerund

• having + past participle

1. If the first verb uses a gerund and we need to express that an action happened in the past we can use a perfect gerund.

1.1 Note that you can also use a simple gerund with the same meaning.

• I remember being here before.
• I denied breaking the window.

• I remember having been here before.
• I denied having broken the window.

• He accused me of not having shut the system down correctly.

NB: In conversation, mother tongue speakers use the Gerund more often than the Perfect Gerund with these verbs: Remember/Forget/Recall/Deny/Admit

2. Perfect Gerunds can also be used as a subject with the meaning: Because + subject-verb phrase

• Having been there before, I didn't need a guide.

Because I had been there before...

• Having read the book, I didn't really enjoy the film.

Because I have read the book...

3. Perfect Infinitive

• to have + past participle

3.1 We use this form to express the completion of something before another action happens

• She plans to have finished all her work by 5pm today.
• He intends to have read the report before the meeting.
• I'm going to have finished my presentation before lunch.

4. Perfect Continuous Infinitive

• to have been + ING

4.1 We use this form to express that an action was in progress before another action happened.

• He seems to have been having a shower when the intruder entered the house.
• She claimed to have been working when her boss walked into the office.

Review Verbs followed by the ING Form

Passive Gerund

• being + past participle

1. After verbs that take a gerund, we use the passive gerund to indicate that the action expressed happens to the subject.

• I remember being punished at school.
• I hate being made to wait
• I love being complimented on my work
• We resented not being selected for the team.
• He saw the speed camera so slowed down to avoid being fined.

NB: you can use get instead of be

• I hate getting fined for speeding.

1.2 This form can also be used as a subject:

• Being loved is good for your mental health.
• Being fined by the traffic police is a common occurance for some drivers.

1.3 This form is also found after prepositions and with before, after, without despite/in spite of & while:

• Despite being injured in the crash, he was able to help others.
• While being prepared for surgery, he died.
• He was able to enter without being seen.
• I'm worried about being sacked from my job.

Passive Infinitive

Review Verbs followed by the Infinitive Form

• to be + past participle

2. With verbs that take an infinitive, we use the passive infinitive to indicate that the action expressed happens to the subject.

2.2 This form can also be found after adjectives and with too/enough:

• Bulgari jewels are too expensive to be worn everyday.
• It's difficult to be told you will lose your job.

• The report has to be finished by 5pm
• He struggled to be recognised as a serious writer

Passive continues

• to have been + past participle

Perfect Passive Infinitive

1. We use this form in passive sentences to express that an action happened at, around, before or since a specific time.

• The car seems to have been stolen before midnight.

• He claims to have been read by millions since his book became part of the scholastic syllabus.

• The bank seems to have robbed sometime between 2 and 4 A.M.

• He is thought to have escaped from his prison cell around 6 A.M.

1.1 If the first verb is Past Simple, we can still use the perfect passive as above.

• He claimed to have been mugged when he was walking near the central railway station.

Lexis: Crimes of THEFT

Future Perfect Passive Infinitive

• will have been + past participle

1. If we need to talk about something that takes place by a specific point in the future, we can use:

• The fugitive will have been found and arrested by the weekend, police sources say

• All the work will have been completed by the end of today.

Review & Reflect: 1

Review & Reflect: 2

Review & Reflect: 3/9

2 Minute Challenge: Drag the RULES & VERBS under the correct heading, Gerunds or Infinitives

02:00

Click here to start the countdown

| Infinitives |

| Gerunds |

With: Too & Enough

Seem

Overhear

Deserve

Strive

As Subjects

Foresee

Anticipate

To State the Purpose of an Action

Suggest

Dread

After Adjectives

Remind

Fancy

Oblige

With: What/How etc

Tolerate

Advise

With: Before & After

After Prepositions

Review & Reflect: 4

Review & Reflect: 5/9

You have completed the Gerunds & Infinitives Multi-Module Have you done the consolidation quiz on AIM4?

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Building Fluency

If you want to become more fluent, learn how to say the same thing using different words. By doing this, you'll transform your fluency!

Expressing REGRET with the verb WISH

A Note about CAMBRIDGE EXAMS

These 2 sentences say the same thing / express the same idea, but in different words. This skill of 'saying the same thing in different words' is tested in the Cambridge FCE, CAE & PCE exams in a section called 'Sentence Transformations'. Cambridge consider it so important in the Use of English test paper that each correct transformation is worth 2 points. All other questions on the paper are worth only 1 point each.

• I wish I hadn't bought this jacket, it doesn't suit me

=

• I regret buying this jacket, it doesn't suit me

So, the form WISH + PAST PERFECT , e.g. I wish I had studied harder for the test is closely related in meaning to: I REGRET + GERUND e.g. I regret not studying for the test I REGRET + PERFECT GERUND e.g. I regret not having studied for the test

You can find out more about using WISH in the Conditionals & Wishes Surface Modules

IT with INFINITIVE SUBJECTS

It is/was/has been etc + adjective + INFINITIVE Look at a few examples of this common structure:

• It was good to see you again.
• It's important to remember people's names.
• It would have been dangerous to swim because of the rough sea.
• It's easy to make mistakes with gerunds & infinitives.

Also see

Adjectives & TO

He claimed TO HAVE BEEN DRIVING... or He claimed THAT he WAS DRIVING ?

With non-modal verbs, you can use the 'THAT X WAS + ING' structure instead of a Perfect Continous Infinitive Compare the 2 structures:

• He claimed to have been driving at only 20km per hour when the accident happened.

• He was believed to have been living in France while on the run last year, but actually he was at his mum's house!

• He claimed that he was driving at only 20km per hour when the accident happened.

• It was believed that he was living in France while on the run last year, but actually he was at his mum's house!

Cambridge FCE/CAE/CPE Exams. This type of 'transformation' of sentance structure while keeping the same meaning is tested in Cambridge exams. If you are preparing for an exam, you should learn how to transform 'that xx was + ing' into the Perfect Continuous Infinitive

You cannot use the 'THAT X WAS + ING' structure instead of a Perfect Continous Infinitive with MODAL VERBS i.e.

• He must have been talking on his phone when the accident happened

• He can't have working very hard.

• Yesterday, we should have been working, not playing.

This is the MODAL PEREFECT CONTINUOUS FORM. You can study it in detail in the relevant SURFACE Module

To + ING

LEARN THESE 3 EXPRESSIONS THEY ARE VERY COMMON & VERY USEFUL

1. Look forward to + ING/noun:

• Use it to end emails & in converstaion. It means you are waiting for a future event with pleasure
• I'm looking forward to going on holiday

2. Be used to + ING/noun/pronoun*:

• I'm not used to => Use it to express that something is outside your normal routine and is therefore unusual, difficult or uncomforatble for you.

• I usually only work in Rome, I'm not used to working here in Milan.

3. Get used to + ING/noun/pronoun*:

• I'm getting used to => Use it to express a new activity or situation is becoming your standard habit. It is becoming your 'new normal'

• I've been here in Milan for 2 weeks now so I'm getting used to working here.

*You can find more details and practice of these structures in the relevant SURFACE MODULE 'BE/GET USED TO'

Common nouns with dependent prepositions

1. I work to make money: Infinitive of purpose, i.e. Why do I work? Answer: To make money 2. I'm looking forward to going on holiday: To is a preposition in this expression. We use gerunds after prepositions. 3. I'm thinking about going on holiday soon: Never use an infinitive after think. Think about + ING is a common expression. 4. We risk missing our sales targets: Many verbs are followed by gerunds. Risk is one of those verbs. 5. I'm tired because I'm not used to working so hard: To is a preposition in this expression. We use gerunds after prepositions. 6. Is your PC slow? Try turning it off and on again. We often use Try + ING to make suggestions. Try turning it off and on again is a typical suggestion for PC problems. 7. After 5km I stopped running. ING after stop specifies the action which was terminated. There are sections in this guide which cover all the above and much more.

LinguaTips Grammar & Use Suite

Gerund & Infinitive Forms

1. Any student of English who wants to improve their knowledge. The content is suitable for CEFR B1, B2, C1. (CEFR A1/A2 students should use the A band guide)

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Steal: To take something that belongs to someone else without permission.

• Someone stole my phone from the table.

Rob: To take money or things from a person or place, often using force or threats.

• The bank was robbed last night.

Mug: To attack someone in a public place to steal their money or belongings.

• He was mugged last night while walking home.

Tip: Steal things (e.g., a phone, money). Rob a person or place (e.g., a bank, a shop, a person). Mug a person, usually in the street or another public place. Includes the use or threat of violence

Problems with your PC? The first thing the IT department says when you call them is...

This phrase is so famous, amongst GEEKS, that you can even buy the T-shirt...

Have you ever experienced a 'connection blackspot'?It's very frustrating when you can't get online! Here's what Google's Chrome browser suggests you do to remedy the situation:

Definition

Definition

Source: The IT Crowd, 2006 - 2010 - Talkback Thames

So, to give advice you can say: Why don't you try + ing Have you tried + ing You could try + ing or, to be more direct, use the imperative: Try + ing

Start

A4 CREATIONS © 2024 by JONATHAN BOYDELL is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International

Building Fluency

Knowing how to express the same concept using different structures helps you become more fluent and avoids you always repeating the same old phrases!

Expressing REGRET with the structure SHOULDN'T HAVE + Past Participle

• I shouldn't have bought this jacket, it doesn't suit me

VS

• I regret buying this jacket, it doesn't suit me

The Modal Perfect form SHOULD/SHOULDN'T HAVE + PAST PARTICIPLE , e.g. I should have studied harder for the test is related in meaning to: I REGRET + GERUND e.g. I regret not studying for the test I REGRET + PERFECT GERUND e.g. I regret not having studied for the test It's common to find these 2 forms used together:

• I really shouldn't have been so rude to her....I regret saying what I did. I hope she'll forgive me.

The use of both together reinforces/emphasises the feeling of 'sorrow/regret'.

You can find out more about using MODAL PERFECT FORMS in the relavant Surface Module.

• REMEMBER + ING means the same as RECALL + ING

Both expressions mean you are able to 'call to your mind' the memory of something you DID IN THE PAST

So:

• I remember paying the gas bill

= I recall paying the gas bill

& both mean: I PAID THE GAS BILL AND HAVE A MEMORY OF DOING IT

NEXT

• REMEMBER + ING can also be expressed using - I REMEMBER (THAT) I + PAST SIMPLE/PAST CONTINUOUS

So:

• I remember paying the gas bill

= I remember (that) I paid the gas bill

• I remember driving slowly before the accident

= I remember (that) I was driving slowly before the accident

NEXT

Hey Jack, do you remember meeting Brad Pitt that time?

To Reminisce: talk with people about shared past experiences - the recollection of past events - to talk about pleasant memories

• We often use REMEMBER + ING when REMINISCING with friends

Yeah, mate, I do! I remember him being really friendly and buying us a few drinks!

NEXT

We say: I can't / don't remember if I locked the door or not when we are unsure if we did an action

• WHEN YOU CAN'T REMEMBER and WHEN YOU DON'T REMEMBER

We say: I don't remember meeting you before when we have no recollection, i.e. no clear memory, of doing something

We say: I don't remember leaving the lights on when the present situation is not in line with what you remember

NEXT

When we are talking about past actions and our memories of them we can use either the Gerund or the Perfect Gerund

• REMEMBER DOING vs REMEMBER HAVING DONE

• I don't remember seeing this film before, but it is familiar.

Both forms mean the same thing. Mother tongue speakers use the Gerund more often than the Perfect Gerund with Remember.

• I don't remember having seen this film before, but it is familiar.

Good question. Here's what we are going to look at in this Module Suite

click the shapes to reveal the learning points

Some verbs can be followed by both Gerunds and Infinitives, but with an important change in their meaning: e.g.

• I tried reading the instructions - Verb + ING Form (Gerund)
• I tried to read the instructions - Verb + Full INFINITIVE form

both forms are correct, but they mean different things!

2. Changes in meaning with certain VERB + VERB combinations

e.g.

• I enjoy reading - Verb + ING Form (Gerund)
• I want to go - Verb + Full INFINITIVE form

• I must go. - Verb + Bare INFINITIVE form

1. Basic VERB + VERB combinations .

The majority of verbs can be followed by either a Gerund or an Infinitive - It's important to learn which you have to use!

4. Perfect, Passive & Continuous ING & INFINITIVE forms

• You seem to be working hard today - Present Continuous Infinitive.
• He seems to have been working hard recently - Perfect Continuous Infinitive
• It seems to have been stolen - Perfect Passive Infinitive

!!! we're going to investigate some quite 'technical' forms!!!

3. Other reasons to use an ING or INFINITIVE form

Did you notice 'reasons to use' in the above sentence? And 'it's important to learn' in the panel above. Well, you see, there are a variety of reasons for using either an ING form or an infinitive form. We're going to be investigating those reasons!

Some concepts and terminology to begin with:

Gerunds - e.g. Reading

• We use ING forms not only as progressive verbs (e.g. I am reading), but also as adjectives, adverbs and, most frequently, nouns.

• This guide doesn't look at progressive verbs, it investigates the other uses.

• ING forms can be the subject, object or compliment of another verb:

Full Infinitive - e.g. To Read

• An infinitive is the base form of a verb preceded by the particle 'to'

• Infinitives are not inflected to show tense, person, or number.

• Infinitives can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs in a sentence. Like gerunds, they often follow another verb.

Bare Infinitive - e.g. Read

• A bare infinitive, also known as the base form of the verb, is an infinitive without the particle to

Bare infinitives are used after:

• Modal verbs (e.g. can - could - may - will)

• Certain verbs like let & make

• Certain expressions like had better & would rather

Split Infinitive

If you place an adverb between to and the rest of the infinitive, it's called a split infinitive. This is common in informal English

1. I wanted to really understand (split)
2. I wanted really to understand (non-split)

1. Smoking is bad for your health (subject)

2. I hate doing nothing (object) 3. My favourite hobby is reading (compliment)

close the window when you are ready to move on

Welcome to this deep dive into Gerund (ING) and Infinitive forms and usage.

Orientation

Verbs are often followed by another verb: I enjoy reading - I want to go - I must go.It is important to select the correct form, but the world of gerunds & infinitives includes much, much more.

Gerunds - e.g. Reading

• We use ING forms not only as progressive verbs (e.g. I am reading), but also like adjectives, adverbs or nouns.

• This guide doesn't look at progressive verbs, it investigates the other uses.

• ING forms can be the subject, object or compliment of another verb:

1. Smoking is bad for your health (subject)
2. I hate doing nothing (object)
3. My favourite hobby is reading (compliment)

Full Infinitive - e.g. To Read

• An infinitive is the base form of a verb preceded by the particle to
• Infinitives are not inflected to show tense, person, or number.

• Infinitives can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs in a sentence. Like gerunds, they often follow another verb.

Split Infinitive

If you place an adverb between to and the rest of the infinitive, it's called a split infinitive. This is common in informal English

1. I wanted to really understand (split)
2. I wanted really to understand (non-split)

Bare Infinitive - e.g. Read

• A bare infinitive, also known as the base form of the verb, is an infinitive without the particle to

Bare infinitives are used after:

• Modal verbs (e.g. can - could - may - will)

• Certain verbs like let & make

• Certain expressions like had better & would rather

Perfect Gerunds & Infinitives

Having + Past Particple = Perfect Gerund

Used after verbs that are followed by gerunds to indicate that an event happened in the past:

• I remember having been here before.
• I denied having broken the window.

To Have + Past Particple = Perfect Infinitive

Used after verbs that are followed by infinitives to indicate completion of an action before another action happens:

• She plans to have finished all her work before going on holiday.

If you say, 'I saw the bullet hitting the target', you must have super slo-mo vision! A superpower!! Bullets move too fast for humans to see! But we can say, 'I saw the bullet hit the target' because, although we didn't actually see the bullet, we were able to see its impact, i.e. the hole it made!!