Page 10 - Grasp English C1+ (Workbook)

1 Communıcatıon

Grammar Gerunds vs. infinitives

A. Read the information and discuss it with a partner.

In English, we sometimes use more than one verb in a sentence. The main verb can be followed by the
gerund (verb+ing) or the infinitive (with or without to). Unfortunately, there are not always clear rules for
when to use the gerund or the infinitive.

The verbs in these questions can be followed by the gerund or the infinitive with to, without changing
the meaning of the sentence.

1. When did you start learning English? / When did you start to learn English?
2. Do you prefer listening to English music or singers from your own country? / Do you prefer to listen to
English music or singers from your own country?
3. Do you think you’ll continue learning English in the future? / Do you think you’ll continue to learn
English in the future?

B. Read the text. Then write the Do teens today worry too much about technology?
verbs in the correct column
(A, B, C or D). Do you ever worry that you can’t afford to buy the latest
technology? Do you struggle to keep up with the latest apps and
social media sites? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.

Whilst many teenagers consider having the most recent version
of a particular phone is the most important thing in life, for others,
it’s simply not worth getting worried about. Today’s younger
generation is managing to survive without needing to spend a
fortune on mobile phone technology, just as their parents survived
without needing a new toy every five minutes. In fact, many young
people today are concerned about the environmental impact of
constantly buying new technology. Many eco-friendly teens don’t
want to risk polluting the planet by throwing away their phones
when they’re still in perfect working condition.

They’re also learning to use the apps which suit their needs best,
rather than downloading every new app on the market. In this
way, they avoid using up space on their phones with apps they
never open. And, having fewer apps allows them to use the space
for more important things, like storing photos of family and friends,
music, or films.

be worth allow avoid can’t afford consider learn manage need risk struggle

A. verbs followed by the B. verbs followed by the C. verbs followed D. verbs followed by
gerund infinitive (with or without by either, with no either, with a difference
to) difference in meaning in meaning

can’t help, look forward agree, deserve, expect continue, prefer, start forget, regret, remember,
to, recommend, suggest stop, try

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