The infinitive and the gerund

Study two lists of common verbs. The ones in the first list always take the infinitive and those in the second always take the gerund.

Infinitive: manage, pretend, offer, promise, hope, plan.

Gerund: succeed in, consider, deny, look forward to, avoid, risk

Ex2

Now use one of these verbs in the correct form to complete each of the following sentences.

1. She finally……to escape by stealing a key. 2. He…….to carry the old man’s suitcase. 3. I’ve never been to France before. I’m…. going there next year. 4. They ….reaching the frontier the following day. 5. She realized that she……breaking a leg if she jumped from the window, but she knew there was no other choice. 6. Her mother made her…….to write home every week. 7. It was nice to see you. I………to see you again soon. 8. When he gets out of prison, he…….to travel. 10. He ……..stealing the car, although a witness saw him. 11. Give up smoking if you want to…….getting a cough. 12. He…….to be asleep, but in fact he heard everything they said.

Ex.3

Use the correct form of the verbs in brackets (the infinitive or the gerund)

1. I’d prefer (go)…..to the theatre tonight, rather than the cinema.

1. Jane hasn’t gone on holiday yet. I remember (see)…….her yesterday evening.
2. We all helped (do)…..the shopping.
3. I’d advise you (get)……your hair cut before (go)…….for such a very important interview.
4. I’m tired of (sit)……..here (do)…….nothing.
5. I had no money, so I had no choice but (sell)…..my car.
6. I won’t allow you (talk)……to me like that!
7. I heard her (speak)…….. to someone on the phone.

Ex.4 Put the correct word into the gap in each sentence.

1. borrow/lend Can you ……..me 5 pounds until tomorrow? I didn’t bring my umbrella, so I’ve had to……John’s.

2. discovered/invented Primitive men…..fire thousands of years ago. Alexander Bell…..the telephone.

3. worthless/priceless She thought that the painting was valuable, but experts told her that it was a……forgery. It is generally agreed that the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci is……..

4. raise/rise The sun will……at 6 a.m. tomorrow morning. He will…..his hand when he needs attention.

5. infamous/unknown Although William Barnes wrote many poems, he’s almost …..to the present generation. All British children have heard of Dick Turpin. He was an……robber, who stole from travelers and was executed for his crimes.