Mr. Carey has both good and bad points as an employee. First, let’s take the bad points. If he is asked (working, to work) on a project with other people, he often refuses (cooperating, to cooperate). He will never admit (making, to make) a mistake. If he is asked (explaining, to explain) why a letter hasn’t been answered, he may deny (receiving, to receive) it. By the time that Carey has finished (explaining, to explain), the listener wants (avoiding, to avoid) (talking, to talk) further.
Now, let’s consider his good points. If he agrees (doing, to do) something, he will do it. He is used to (doing, do) hard work, and he never objects to (working, work) overtime. He enjoys (doing, to do) office work, and he plans (improving, to improve) the company computer network. He is opposed to (going, go) to large social gatherings, but he doesn’t mind (attending, to attend) office parties and picnics. He won’t consider (taking, to take) offers from other companies because he likes this company and hopes (being, to be) promoted soon. Can you imagine (working, to work) an employee like Mr. Carey? Would you want (hiring, to hire) him?
Ex. IV. Gerunds or infinitives after “remember” and “stop”. Restate the following sentences, using the verb in parentheses. The meaning will determine whether you use a gerund or an infinitive. Situation: Mr.Carey and his wife are at an office party.
Example: Mr. Carey didn’t forget to introduce his wife to his boss, Mr.Moore. (remember)
Mr. Carey remembered to introduce his wife to his boss, Mr.Moore.
1. Mrs. Carey recalled that she had met Mr. Moore before. (remember)
2. Mr. Moore didn’t recall that he had met Mrs. Carey. (remember)
3. He didn’t forget to smile, however. (remember)
4. Mr. Moore interrupted his chat with Mrs. Carey in order to get them both a drink. (stop)
5. On his way to the bar, he paused so that he could talk with Ms. Light, the office manager. (stop)
6. Mr. Moore didn’t forget to get the drinks. (remember)
7. When Mr. Moore handed Mrs. Carey a drink, she didn’t recall that she had asked for a beer. (remember)
8. Mr. Carey didn’t remember that he hadn’t introduced his wife to Ms. Light. (forgot).
Ex. V. Gerunds after prepositional verbs. Read the questions and rank the items in each group from most (1) to least (6). Then talk in small groups about your ranking.
1. Which of these things do you object to doing?
taking multiple choice tests;
writing English compositions;
writing computer programs;
doing homework assignments;
telling people how old you are;
telling people how much money you make.
2. Which of these are you looking forward to doing?
taking a vacation;
seeing a movie;
having a good time over the weekend;
seeing your parents;
going out to dinner with a friend;
watching a sports event on TV.
3. Which of these things can’t you get used to?
getting up early;
using a computer;
standing in line;
cooking for yourself;
shopping for food;
paying so much rent.
4. Which of these things do you look forward to?
going bowling;
going swimming;
going skiing;
going fishing;
going dancing;
going camping.
Ex. VI. Match the following English-language proverbs with their definitions. Identify gerunds and infinitives. How many of the proverbs do you agree with? Find their Ukrainian equivalents. Learn them by heart.
| 1. Seeing is believing. | a. No two people have the same likes and dislikes, so it’s a waste of time to argue about it. |
| 2. If a thing is worth doing at all it is worth doing well. | b. Many people are reluctant to believe a thing unless they can see. |
| 3. Clean hands want no washing. | c. Once you have said a thing it is too late to regret having said it. |
| 4. There is no accounting for tastes. | d. Good people are not corrupted by their surroundings. |
| 5. Finding is keeping. | e. If what you propose to do deserves your attention, do it to the best of your ability. |
| 6.It’s no use crying over spilt milk. | f. It is dangerous to play with sharp tools. It is dangerous to meddle with anything that can get you into trouble. |
| 7. It is ill jesting with edged tools. | g. If you find something, then it is rightfully your property. |
