Page 73 - Grasp English B1 (Grammar Book)

Merrymaking 12

Gerund vs infinitives

Gerund Infinitives
• A gerund is the -ing form of the verb used as • The infinitive form is the basic form of a verb. It
a noun. They can be either the subject or might be used with or without to.
object of a sentence. • The bare infinitive is used after the auxiliary verb
Playing tennis is a good exercise. to do and most other modal auxiliary verbs.
I love playing tennis. I do like her.

• Gerunds are also used after prepositions. We must study harder.
She is really good at drawing pictures. I will help you if I can.
Are you worried about losing the game? • The bare infinitive is also used with some verbs

Gerunds are used after certain verbs. of the senses, and the verbs let and make.
You should consider training regularly if you I saw him go into the restaurant.
want to improve your skills. I felt the bee sting me.
I gave up working with that company. The teacher made him answer the questions.
(other examples - admit, avoid, carry on, delay, • The full infinitive is used after adjectives.
deny, enjoy, face, finish, give up, imagine, It is difficult to make a decision.
involve, mention, miss, postpone, practise, risk, I was lucky to meet that guy.
can’t stand, suggest)
• The full infinitive is also used to express purpose
don’t mind and reason.
I don’t mind giving you a lift to the gym.
I bought some flowers to give to Jessie.
be (no) good/no use He often uses the internet to look up information
It’s no good/use being upset about it.
about his homework.
spend time • The full infinitive is used after certain verbs:
We used to spend a lot of time playing online would like, want, need, decide, hope, plan,
games.
seem, promise, refuse, learn, manage.
worth They would like to offer Fred the job.
It’s really worth buying those shoes. You’ll You’ll need to fill in these forms.
notice the difference.
I hope to see you again soon.

A. Put the verbs in brackets in the correct form, the infinitive with to or -ing. Sometimes both are possible.

1. Do you want (come) with us to the cinema?
2. Have you finished (read) the newspaper?

3. They’ve decided (leave) the city.
4. We love (go) to the theatre.
5. We’d love (see) our cousins next week.
6. She’s tried (stop) eating sugar, but she can’t.
7. He promised (love) her forever.

8. It’s stopped (rain). Let’s go for a walk.
9. I started (learn) English nine months ago.

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