Unit 7
Lesson 2
SB 59
Grammar: Verbs followed by gerunds or infinitives
● Some verbs can be followed by an -ing form (gerund), but not by an infinitive. These include avoid, consider, dislike, enjoy, finish, practise and suggest.
-He enjoyed travelling, and travelled all over the world.
-Would you consider moving to another country?
● Some verbs can be followed by an infinitive, but not by an -ing form. These include agree, ask, attempt, choose, decide, expect, forget, hope, manage, offer, prepare, promise, seem and want.
-I offered to help my father clean the car.
-She decided to study Law at university.
● Some verbs can be followed by either an infinitive or an -ing form, with no difference in meaning. These include begin, continue, hate, intend, like, love, prefer and start.
-My brother likes playing the guitar.
-I prefer to read historical novels.
-I love getting to know the characters.
● Some verbs can be followed by either an infinitive or an -ing form, but there is difference in meaning. These include forget, remember, stop and try.
-She stopped talking when she saw the beautiful view.
-We stopped to check our route on the map.
-I remember playing in the park when I was younger.
-I must remember to return that book to the library.
-Try reading a work of fiction instead.
You might find that more interesting. (try = experiment)
-I tried to finish the book during my holiday, but it was too long. (try = attempt)
Note: The verb prefer can be used in two different ways:
-I prefer reading/to read fictional novels. (a permanent fact)
-I would prefer to read an autobiography today. (a preference for the immediate future, conditional)
Exercise:
- I want …………….. shopping. (go) to go
- It started ………….. . (rain) raining / to rain