GERUNDS & INFINITIVES1 Gerunds 1.1 Gerunds As The Subject Of The Sentence 1.2 Gerunds As The Object Of A Preposition 1.2.1 Verb + Preposition 1.2.2 Verb + Object + Preposition 1.2.3 To Be + Adjective + Preposition 1.2.4 To Be + Noun + Preposition 1.3 Gerunds As The Object Of A Verb 1.3.1 Verb + Gerund 2 Infinitives 2.1 Infinitives As The Subject Of The Sentence 2.2 Infinitives As The Object Of The Verb 2.2.1 Verb + Infinitive 2.2.2 Verb + (Pro)noun + Infinitive 3 Gerunds Or Infinitives? 3.1 Verb + Infinitive = Verb + Gerund 3.2 Verb + Infinitive ¹ Verb + Gerund 1 GERUNDS A GERUND is a verb in its "ing" form (the present participle); for example, raining, dancing, laughing, thinking, creating, running, and so on. By definition, they are activities . either physical or mental. These words function as NOUNS in a sentence: The subject of the verb: Swimming is a lot of fun and good exercise. The object of the verb: I really like swimming. The object of a preposition: I am looking forward to swimming in the ocean. 1.1 GERUNDS AS THE SUBJECT OF THE SENTENCE Any activity that can be expressed with the "ing" form of a verb can be the subject of a sentence. All gerunds can be the subject of a sentence. Breathing is necessary. Driving a car requires good vision. Helping other people feels good. 1.2 GERUNDS AS THE OBJECT OF A PREPOSITION Prepositions (for, with, about, &) must be followed by an object. The object can be a noun or a gerund (a verb acting as a noun). I am tired of waking up too early. I look forward to meeting your friend. I am interested in learning baseball. She is responsible for implementing new policy. 1.2.1 Verb + Preposition Here are some verbs plus a preposition followed by a gerund: to complain about __________ing to insist on __________ing to participate in __________ing to apologize for __________ing to object to __________ing to look forward to __________ing to think of __________ing to win by __________ing to take part in __________ing 1.2.2 Verb + Object + Preposition Here are some verbs plus an object plus a preposition followed by a gerund: to have difficulty in __________ing to take advantage of __________ing to have a good reason for __________ing to prevent someone from __________ing to keep someone from __________ing to stop someone from __________ing to thank someone for __________ing to blame someone for __________ing to accuse someone of __________ing to charge someone with __________ing to fine someone for __________ing 1.2.3 To Be + Adjective + Preposition Here are some combinations of the verb "to be" plus an adjective plus a preposition followed by a gerund: to be accustomed to __________ing to be interested in __________ing to be excited about __________ing to be capable of __________ing to be responsible for __________ing to be used to __________ing to be tired of __________ing to be bored with __________ing to be good for __________ing to be good at __________ing to be bad at __________ing I avoid flying as much as I can. Business trips involve waiting in airports and staying in hotels. but they don't do anything about it.4 To Be + Noun + Preposition Here are some combinations of the verb "to be" plus an object plus a preposition followed by a gerund: to be a victim of __________ing to be an advocate of __________ing to be a believer in __________ing to be a supporter of __________ing to be a critic of __________ing 1.2. I enjoy talking with new people. Did I mention seeing him yesterday? . I don't anticipate waiting very much longer. some verbs can take a gerund as their objects. I'll help you.3 GERUNDS AS THE OBJECT OF A VERB When it comes to gerunds as the object of a verb.1 Verb + Gerund: Here are some verbs that are followed by a gerund. That is. I dislike eating alone. We must discuss hiring more people. Some verbs never take an object at all. I fear losing his confidence. I appreciate hearing a good joke. not all verbs are equal.to be guilty of __________ing 1. I can't imagine spending that much money. 1. Would you consider selling your share of the company? We will delay signing an agreement.3. When I finish typing this. They keep saying that.) I admit losing the combination to the safe. (Some verbs can take infinitives as their objects. (These verbs can be followed by any gerund. I advise finding a good lawyer. I can't help thinking that we could have done better. I often go dancing.) These differences can only be learned. I gave up explaining my position to them. The gerunds used in these sentences are only examples. as individual vocabulary items. but other verbs cannot. I deny saying that. 2. I hope they stop making so much noise so I can get some sleep. The infinitives used in these sentences are only examples. I don't recollect being there. I quit smoking six years ago. For example. must. may. We should not risk losing their trust. I will arrange to talk with them as soon as possible. You should practice using set phrases. . He suggested starting my own agency.) We can't afford to remain outside the market. We don't need to fight like this. I couldn't resist telling them. Should we agree to buy from them? It appears to be a mistake. They won't tolerate trading insider information. ).1 INFINITIVES AS THE SUBJECT OF THE SENTENCE To read a good book is my favorite form of relaxation.2. They postponed starting construction until next year. Infinitives with the word "to" can function as either the SUBJECT or the OBJECT of a verb.1 Verb + Infinitive Here are some verbs that are followed by an infinitive. 2.. . To speak a foreign language well requires practice. following modal verbs (can. (These verbs can be followed by any infinitive.2 INFINITIVES AS THE OBJECT OF THE VERB Most people like to win.I don't mind working on the weekend. I don't want to go. I will miss seeing you around. To win means everything to him. I resent having to sign in each morning. 2 INFINITIVES An infinitive may exist with or without the word "to". I recommend having the New York steak. I recall meeting him a long time ago. 2.. I want to find the right person for this job. They forced him to reveal his source. We had to struggle to open the window. I dare you to tell him what you told me. No one volunteered to clean up after the picnic. I instructed them to wait for us here. The weather caused us to take a later flight. t pretend to know all the answers. Do not fail to let us know your decision. I decided to do it myself. I demand to know who is responsible for this! He deserves to get a promotion. I forbid you to use that tone of voice with me. He refuses to answer my calls. He learned to speak English as a child. If you have trouble. . Do you swear to keep this a secret? They threatened to sue us if we didn't pay their fee. I do not wish to be a part of your scheme. I intend to go home early. Are you prepared to explain this disaster? I don. We must convince them to investigate the situation. don't hesitate to call us for help. I promise to do my best. The infinitives used in these sentences are only examples.I asked to see the manager about it. Finally. I encouraged her to continue with the task. He expects you to finish on time. I cannot wait to see the expression on his face when he hears the news. Will you allow me to use your telephone? She asked me to help her with her car. You managed to overlook something. He seems to be the one who is in charge. She expects to hire an apprentice. I beg to differ with you.2. Did you mean to put my report in the waste basket? I need to talk to an expert. We should hire someone to run our photocopying operation. sir.) I would advise you to say nothing about this. We hope to begin by next week. We will never consent to allow your name to be put on our product. 2. Would you care to try a California wine? They claim to make the best potato chips in the world. We plan to expand our product range. They offered to buy the rest from us.2 Verb + Pronoun/Noun + Infinitive Here are some verbs plus an indirect object followed by an infinitive. He challenged me to find an error in his figures. (These verbs can be followed by any infinitive. He begged me to let him come along. I prefer to read. This situation requires us to be very cautious. with NO DIFFERENCE IN MEANING. I can't stand to wait. = I can't stand waiting.I invited John to take part in our discussion. The experience taught me to buckle my seat belt. He began to shout. I want you to wash my car. = He started shouting. We permitted them to talk to our client. I like to read.1 VERB + INFINITIVE = VERB + GERUND These verbs can be followed by either an infinitive or a gerund. = I can't bear waiting. He told me to take two aspirins and go to bed. 3 GERUNDS OR INFINITIVES? Some verbs can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive. He started to shout. He persuaded her to listen to his problem. = He began shouting. 3. I love to read. She urged me to take the job. = I like reading. I need you to tell me what is going on here. = He continued shouting. Sometimes. = I prefer reading. He reminded me to bring an umbrella. Sometimes there is. = I love reading. I hate to wait. = I hate waiting. there is no difference in meaning. He warned me not to drive too fast around here. 3. He continued to shout.2 VERB + INFINITIVE ¹ VERB + GERUND . My boss ordered me to go to London last week. I can't bear to wait. (I will be sure to call her in the future.) ≠ I will never forget meeting them.) I will try to ring the bell. (I am sorry I must tell you he is not here. (I interrupted an activity and had a cigarette.) I stopped to smoke at ten o.) ≠ I regret saying it.) .) ≠ I stopped smoking a year ago.) I regret to say he is not here.) I remember calling her. (I will see if it is possible to ring the bell. (I will ring the bell to see if it will help the situation. (I am sorry I said it. (I have the memory of calling her in the past. (I will be sure to meet him in the future. clock. but THEIR MEANINGS ARE NOT THE SAME: ≠ I will remember to call her.Some verbs can be followed by either an infinitive or a gerund.) ≠ I will try ringing the bell.) I will not forget to meet him. (I will not lose the memory of meeting them. (I ended my cigarette habit. Gerund or to-infinitive . (see) you at the weekend.Exercise 1 Explanation: Gerund or Infinitive Put in the verbs in brackets in the Gerund or the to-infinitive. 4) The man asked me how 5) I look forward to (get) to the airport. 6) Are you thinking of 7) We decided (visit) London? (run) through the forest. 3) The question is easy (answer). (buy) a new car. Answer: They go on reading the book. 1) I can't imagine Peter 2) He agreed (go) by bike. Show answ er Grammar Explanations Grammar Exercises Adjectives/Adverbs Articles . Example: They go on _______ (read) the book. (work) the night shift. 8) The teacher expected Sarah 9) She doesn't mind 10) I learned Check (study) hard. (ride) the bike at the age of 5. 9) She doesn't mind working the night shift.Conditional sentences . 3) The question is easy to answer. 2) He agreed to buy a new car. 10) I learned to ride the bike at the age of 5. 5) I look forward to seeing you at the weekend. 4) The man asked me how to get to the airport.if Gerund and Infinitive Modal Auxiliaries Participles Passive Voice Phrasal Verbs Prepositions 1) I can't imagine Peter going by bike. Pronouns Quantifiers Questions Reported Speech Sentences Tenses Various . 8) The teacher expected Sarah to study hard.if Gerund and Infinitive Modal Auxiliaries Nouns Participles Passive Voice Phrasal Verbs Prepositions Pronouns Quantifiers Questions Reported Speech Sentences Tenses Various Verbs Adjectives/Adverbs Articles Conditional sentences . 6) Are you thinking of visiting London? 7) We decided to run through the forest. (It is clear which glass we are referring to) o She took the glass of water and started to drink. (There is only one glass of water) o Can you turn on the TV? (It's clear we are talking about the TV in this room and not some other TV) o I need to see a doctor.Complex Tests Tests Exams English Lessons English Forum Talks Download Worksheets Writing Games Parents Teachers Pupils/Students LiteraForm and meaning 1. (carrots in general) o The carrots growing in my garden are almost ready to eat. (Not any specific doctor) o I have to see the doctor tomorrow. She took a glass of water and started to drink. We use the when the listener or reader knows which person or thing we are talking about. (specific English people) o . (One of many glasses of water) o She took the glass of water nearest to her. (specific carrots) o English people drink a lot of tea. (English people in general) o The English people in this hotel are very nice. o Carrots are good for you. (It's clear I am talking about my usual doctor) o How many people have walked on the moon? (There is only one moon) o The best film I've ever seen is Top Gun. This may be because: o we have mentioned this person or thing before and so there is some shared knowledge between speaker/writer and listener/reader o it is clear from the context which person or thing we are talking about o there is only one of a particular person or thing We use a / an when the listener or reader doesn't know which person or thing we are talking about. We use zero article when we are talking about people or things in general. (there can only be one best film) 2. hospital. o You have a nice house. We use the if the country contains Kingdom. cities. o The church on our street was built in the 17th Century. California. (a particular one) o The crocodile is very dangerous.. The Panama Canal 12. (not a particular piano but this type of instrument) o The piano she is playing is very old. east and west to talk about the location of a place within another place. Union o The United Kingdom 10. Main St. o I always give money to the homeless.3. regions. rivers and canals. university. The Netherlands. prison. streets. mountains. 4. 7. but zero article to compare the location of two places. State. o Greece is in the south of Europe. . Republic.. We use a / an to say what kind of person or thing someone or something is (often with an adjective.. lakes and parks. With school. bed. university. o The new bed is bigger than the old one. We use zero article with continents. The Alps (also The Caribbean) 11. The Bahamas. south. o The French produce good wine. We use the with plural names of people and places. We use the + adjective to talk about a group of people (including nationalities). 5. o I was feeling sick yesterday so I didn't go to work. church. Italy. Mount Everest. or to say it belongs to a particular group. o That's a very expensive car! o A cat is an animal and a bus is a vehicle. (a particular one) 6. work and home we use the when we are talking about a particular one. o My wife is an optician. seas. o The unemployed receive money from the government. countries. (not a particular computer) o The computer in my office is broken. The Red Sea. We use the with singular countable nouns to talk about a type of thing. o The Smiths. o Asia. We use a / an to talk about someone's job. o She works as a mechanic. not a particular building) o My friend works at the prison outside the city centre. 8. (a particular one) o She plays the piano. Bristol. The Nile. o The Atlantic Ocean. Lake Superior. Central Park 9. o I put my children to bed a 8pm. (this type of animal) o The crocodile in the river is very big. We use the with north. and zero article when we are talking about the idea of school. o My husband is in prison. o The work isn't finished yet. o The computer was invented in the 20th Century. We use the with oceans. The United States. (a particular church) o I go to church every Sunday (the idea of church. USB drive I lent you last week? 4) Do you still live in Bristol? 5) Is your mother working in 6) Carol's father works as old office building? electrician. o The White House. breakfast? red one. Buckingham Palace. 10) After this tour you have kilo. 14. o Oxford University. southern. o I like blue T-shirt over there better than 2) Their car does 150 miles 3) Where's hour.Spain is south of France. . The Sheraton Hotel. We use zero article with northern. eastern and western: o Greece is in southern Europe. 13. except if the first word is the name of a place. 7) The tomatoes are 99 pence 8) What do you usually have for 9) Ben has terrible headache. We normally use the with buildings. most famous lake in Scotland. Paul's Cathedral and 2) Mount Everest is 3) Loch Ness is 4) most children like 5) summer of 1996 was hot and dry. Plaza Hotel is on the corner of Tower. 59th Street and 5th . 10) After this tour you have the whole afternoon free to explore the city. 1) Last year we visited St. 7) The tomatoes are 99 pence a kilo. 2) Their car does 150 miles an hour. use x. Decide whether to use the definite article >the< or not.Exercise 1) I like the blue T-shirt over there better than the red one. 6) Avenue. sweets.The articles a/an and the in Englisch . highest mountain on earth. 3) Where's the USB drive I lent you last week? 4) Do you still live in x Bristol? 5) Is your mother working in an old office building? 6) Carol's father works as an electrician. If you do not need the article >the<. 8) What do you usually have for x breakfast? 9) Ben has a terrible headache. 6) The Plaza Hotel is on the corner of x 59th Street and x 5th Avenue. 3) x Loch Ness is the most famous lake in Scotland.7) My sister often stays at 8) Our friends 9) Uncle Tim's in Detroit. 9) x smog is a problem in x big cities. . Last year we visited x St. Millers moved to Florida last August. bus. 10) Our children go to x school by x bus. 4) x most children like x sweets. 5) The summer of 1996 was hot and dry. 2) x Mount Everest is the highest mountain on earth. smog is a problem in 10) Our children go to school by big cities. 8) Our friends the Millers moved to Florida last August. 7) My sister often stays at x Uncle Tim's in Detroit. Paul's Cathedral and the Tower. Exercise 1 Explanation: Article Use >a< or >an<. 1) Lucy has dog. blue pen. 3) Emily needs a new desk in her room. exercise book in her school bag. 9) The speed of this car was 160 miles hour. 8) She has an exercise book in her school bag. 3) Emily needs 4) I need new desk in her room. 5) Ben has old bike. 5) Ben has an old bike. 6) Peter has aunt in Berlin. Answer: We read a book. 7) We listen to 8) She has English CD. Write the correct forms of the indefinite articles into the gaps. 2) Let's sing a song. 2) Let's sing song. 6) Peter has an aunt in Berlin. 7) We listen to an English CD. .The indefinite article a/an . 10) They finished Lucy has a dog. Example: We read __ book. 4) I need a blue pen. 10) They finished a unit Learn Punctuation Punctuation in English Basic English Grammar Punctuation Exercises Punctuation Rules Punctuation is used to mark the cadence. Commas are used to: . Beginning English learners should focus on understand the period. Period Use a period to end a complete sentence. comma. colon. punctuation helps us to understand when to pause between fully formed ideas when speaking. In British English a period is called a 'full stop'. This guide provides instruction on the basic rules of using a period. English punctuation marks include: period . They are going to visit. question mark and exclamation point. A sentence is a group of words containing a subject and predicate. comma and question mark. In other words. as well as organize our thoughts in writing. Comma There are a number of different uses for commas in English. Each type of punctuation is followed by an explanation and example sentences for reference purposes. pauses. question mark ? exclamation mark ! colon : semi colon . semicolon. and tone in written English. commas . as well as an occasional exclamation mark. Intermediate to advanced student should also learn how to use colons and semi colons. Examples: He went to Detroit last week.9) The speed of this car was 160 miles an hour. you run the risk of a heart attack. Examples: Bill Gates. Notice that a comma is included before the conjunction 'and' which comes before the final element of a list." His doctor replied. you will need to take the TOEFL exam. Examples: I like reading. I'd really enjoy seeing a film this evening. Separate a list of items. "If you don't stop smoking. taking long walks. Examples: In order to qualify for your certificate.." Separate appositives (a noun. who is a fantastic tennis player. Examples: They wanted to purchase a new car. Separate phrases (clauses).e. the richest man in the world. he wasn't able to attend the course. is in great shape. magazines. My only sister. and I'd like to go out for a drink.. DVDs. and visiting with my friends.). Examples: . but their financial situation would not allow it. Question Mark The question mark is used at the end of a question. This is especially true after a beginning dependent clause or a long prepositional phrase. Introduce a direct quote (as opposed to indirect speech i. He said he wanted to come . comes from Seattle. Although he wanted to come. and other learning materials for their library. They would like books. Separate two independent clauses that are connected by a conjunction such as 'but'. "My father is often away during the week on business trips. or noun phrase) or non-defining relative clauses. video cassettes. This is one of the most common uses of a comma. Examples: The boy said. listening to music. horrible hours. and slept late. Examples: I took a holiday and played golf. to make new friends. it must make you nervous. She gave notice for the following reasons: bad pay. Examples: He had many reasons for joining the club: to get in shape. What an incredible situation. Examples: That ride was fantastic! I can't believe he is going to marry her! Semicolon There are two uses for a semicolon: To separate two independent clauses. and to get out of the house. poor relations with colleagues. which I love. and literature. for their travels. Be careful not to use an exclamation point too often. to lose some weight. chemistry. which I needed to do. for their work. To separate groups of words that are themselves separated by commas. They plan to study German. He can't get enough of school. It is also used for emphasis when making a point. and her boss. Examples: He loves studying. which I hadn't done for quite a while. Colon A colon can be used for two purposes: To provide additional details and explanation.Where do you live? How long have they been studying? Exclamation Point The exclamation point is used at the end of a sentence to indicate great surprise. read a lot. . One or both of the clauses are short and the ideas expressed are usually very similar. for their own enjoyment. Examples: He announced to his friends: "I'm getting married!" She cried out: "I never want to see you again!" . To introduce a direct quote (a comma can also be used in this situation). the beache's are warm. Mrs Smith's room.Punctuation marks exercise. b) Spain is a beautiful country: the beaches are warm. c) Spain is a beautiful country. sandy and spotlessly clean. . the beaches are warm. 2 a) s The children's books were all left in the following places: Mrs Smith's room. a) 1 Spain is a beautiful country. d) s Spain is a beautiful country. Mrs Smith's room. Mr Powells office and the caretakers cupboard. colons. marshmallows and toffee apples. Mr Powell's office and the caretaker's cupboard. semi-colons and apostrophes. Mr Powell's office and the caretaker's cupboard. c) The childrens books were all left in the following places: Mrs Smiths room. d) The children's books were all left in the following places. marshmallows and toffee apples. This exercise will test your understanding of all kinds of different punctuation marks. particularly commas. sandy and spotlessly clean. the beaches are warm. 3 s a) She always enjoyed sweets. Select the correctly punctuated sentence. sandy and spotlessly clean. b) She always enjoyed: sweets. chocolate. b) The children's books were all left in the following places. c) She always enjoyed sweets chocolate marshmallows and toffee apples. Mr Powell's office and the caretaker's cupboard. chocolate. sandy and spotlessly clean.