INFINITIVE AND –ING FORM / GERUND

The infinitive can be used:

As the object of another verb.
My father wants to move to another town.
She asked me to sign the form.
To indicate purpose.
Sarah came to England to improve her English.
He wants to go back home to start university.
After modal verbs, without “to” (except “ought to”)
Nobody should say anything about this.
You must obey the law.
After certain verbs.
We hope to find a solution to this serious problem.
The man accepted to pay the fine.
After some “be” + adjective phrases.
Are you ready to start?
He was afraid to tell his parents about the incident.
The –ing form can be used:
After prepositions.
She left for Australia without saying goodbye.
After visiting his relatives, he’s going to Africa.
After certain verbs.
Do you enjoy travelling by train?
He avoided answering the difficult questions
As the subject of a sentence.
Flying is safer than driving.
Taking a year out broadens your horizons.
In short prohibitions signs.
No smoking.
No parking.
After certain expressions.
It’s no use crying.
It isn’t worth repairing.
PRACTICE
Fill in suitable forms of the verbs in parentheses.
1. Before (go) …………………… on holiday, I often buy new clothes.
2. (travel) ………………… first class is a luxury.
3. At twelve you can buy a pet without (ask) ………………. your parent’s permission.
4. My sister went on a computer training course (apply) ………………. for the job.
5. I can’t stand (lie) ………………… in the beach all day.
6. Most teenagers are used to (watch) ………………….. TV a lot.
7. My brother sold his car and bought a bike (keep) ………………… fit.
8. We’d better phone the railway station (check) ……………….. what time his train arrives.
9. Why don’t we rent a flat instead of (stay) ………………… in a hotel?
10. They’ve gone to the airport (meet) ……………….. their parents.
11. I’m getting cosmetic surgery because I want (look) …………………. better.
12. Do you prefer (cycle) ……………….. or skating?
13. My friend is going to live in Paris for a year (study) ………………. French.
14. (take) ………………… photographs is the best way to remember your holiday.
15. My mother is afraid of (fly) ….……………… so she never travels by plane.
16. We are studying hard (pass) …………………. all our exams.
17. I’m pleased (see) ……………….. how your English is improving.
18. You should give up (smoke) ………………… .
19. I was really angry about (lose) ……………….. my passport.
20. My sister’s good at (find) ………………… exciting new places to visit.
21. Would you mind (tell) ………………. me where I can find Mr Brown?
22. I can’t stand (listen) ………………….. to boring lectures.
23. My girlfriend would like me (ask) ……………….. her to get married.
24. I’m looking forward to (see) ………………… Karen.