MAIN USES OF THE INFINITIVE:
-Infinitive of purpose: to show the intention of an action:
I’m going to the supermarket to buy oranges.
- After an adjective in the pattern: to be+ adjective (+noun) +to-infinitive:
It’s dangerous to feed the lions.
It was very kind of you to help me.
It is an interesting topic to talk about.
-With “too” or “enough”
The soup was too hot to be eaten.
I didn’t have enough money to pay for it.
- As the subject of the sentence: (mainly in written English).
To be or not to be, that is the question.
- To show the use of something or what can be done with it:
I have nothing else to say.
- After certain verbs (see list)
VERBS FOLLOWED BY AN INFINITIVE:
Agree appear arrange ask attempt begin choose continue dare decide deserve detest expect fail forget get happen hope hurry leave mean neglect offer plan prefer prepare promise propose refuse say shoot start stop swear try use wait want wish
SPECIAL VERBS:
“Remember”, “forget”, “stop” and “regret” can be followed by either the infinitive or the gerund, and the difference is connected with time. Generally speaking, we can consider that
V + infinitive another action happens AFTER those verbs:
I forgot to post the letter
The government regreted to announce salary reductions
V + gerund refers to an action that happened BEFORE:
I remember going to the zoo with my granpa when I was a child
You must stop smoking
MAIN USES OF THE GERUND:
- As the subject of a sentence:
Driving is dangerous.
- As the object of a sentence:
I love swimming
One of my worst habits is biting my nails
- After certain verbs (see list).
- After prepositions:
He is used to getting up early.
Mary is good at tennis.
EXERCISE. WRITE THE INFINITIVE OR THE –ING FORM OF THE VERBS IN BRACKETS:
1. My brother is good at _________ (PLAY) basketball. 14. It is necessary _____ (TAKE) the passport with you when
2. ________ (WORK) on the computer is something I have you travel abroad.
always liked. 15. You need to take up some exercise _____ (BE) fit.
3. I went to the airport ________ (MEET) my sister, who was 16. _____ (SUNBATHE) without protection is not advisable.
arriving from Rome. 17. Remember ____ (SWITCH OFF) the lights when you leave.
4. I will never forget ____________ (WATCH) FC Barcelona 18. I forgot _____ (PHONE) my mum when I arrived and she
winning the Champions. Was worried.
5. I stopped driving my car ________ (HAVE) a rest. 19. The summer activity I like most is ______ (SURF).
6. I can’t help _______ (DANCE) when I listen to that song. 20. Next summer I’m going to Berlin _____ (STUDY) German.
7. It’s important _______ (REVIEW) the contents before the exam. 21. My father is interested in _____ (COLLECT) stamps.
8. Se refused ________ (MARRY) me. 22. We regret ___ (ANNOUNCE) the cancellation of flight IB23
9. Finally we decided _____ (GO) skiing that weekend. 23. I didn’t know what to do and she suggested ___ (GO) to the
10. He enjoys _____ (LISTEN) to opera. zoo and _____ (FEED) the monkeys.
11. Remember _____ (SEND) me that e-mail. 24. When we arrived home it began ____ (RAIN).
12. There’s nothing I hate more that _____ (WAKE) up early. 25. My family decided _____ (VISIT) Japan in August.
13. I have always been afraid of ______ (FLY). 26. Politics is always an interesting topic ___ (TALK) about.
VERBS FOLLOWED BY A GERUND:
Admit advise appreciate avoid can't help complete consider delay deny detest escape excuse finish forbid mind miss permit postpone practice report risk spend (time) suggest waste (time)
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