e.g. We talked about going (go) to France for our holiday.
1. I look forward ______ (see) you again next year.
2. She's tired ______ (work) for the company.
3. I'm very happy ______ my parents ______ (come) home.
4. ______ (open) the front door, I walked slowly through it.
5. We got into the house ______ (climb) through a window.
6. I'm looking forward ______ (work) with you.
7. Are you interested ______ (join) the committee?
8. I'm tired ______ (come) to the same place every week.
9. He's very keen ______ (swim) at the moment.
10. I'm worried ______ Jane _____ (get) to the airport on time.
11. I'm not interested ______ (hear) your excuses.
12. She's very good ______ (listen) to what people say.
13. This is used ______ (cut) metal.
14. The car drove off ______ (stop).
1.4 * Complete each sentence using only one word:
1. Our neighbours apologised for making so much noise.
2. I feel lazy. I don't feel like ______ any work.
3. I wanted to go out alone but Joe insisted on ______ with me.
4. I'm fed up with my job. I'm thinking of ______ something else.
5. We have decided against ______ a new car because we can't really afford it.
6. I hope you write to me soon. I'm looking forward to ______ from you.
7. The weather was extremely bad and this prevented us from ______ out.
8. The man who has been arrested is suspected of ______ a false passport.
9. I think you should apologise to Sue for ______ so rude to her.
10. Some parents don't approve of their children ______ a lot of television.
11. I'm sorry I can't come to your party but thank you very much for ______ me.
NOTE 3: preposition + -ing: special cases
We use by...ing to say how by what method or means we do something. We use for...ing to give the purpose of something to say what it is used for. On doing something (formal) means ' when / as soon as you do something'.
e.g. You can find out somebody's phone number by looking in the directory. e.g. He made his money by buying and selling houses.
e.g. I've bought some special glue for mending broken glass. e.g. 'What's that funny knife for?' Opening letters.'
e.g. On hearing the fire alarm, go straight to the nearest exit. e.g. On arriving at the office, she noticed that her secretary was absent.
1.5 Find the answers in the box; write them with by...ing:
look in a dictionary, oil it, play loud music, rob a bank, stroke it, switch on the ignition, take an aspirin, use an extinguisher
1. How do you make a cat happy? By stroking it.
2. How can you annoy your neighbours?
3. How can you get money fast?
4. How do you stop a door squeaking?
5. How do you find out what a word means?
6. How can you cure a headache?
7. How can you put a fire out?
8. How do you start a car?
NOTE 4: the gerund is used after the following expressions: Its (no) good, Its no use, There is no point in, Its (not) worth, have difficulty, be busy, a waste of money / time, spend / waste time: e.g. Its no good trying to persuade me. You wont succeed. For more examples see Appendix 3.
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1.6 Complete the sentences on the right:
1. Shall we get a taxi home? No, it isn't far. It's not worth getting a taxi.
2. If you need help, why don't you ask Tom? It's no use ____________. He won't be able to help us.
3. I don't really want to go out tonight. Well, stay at home! There's no point ____________ if you don't want to.
4. Shall I phone Ann now? No, it's no good _____________. She won't be at home.
5. Are you going to complain about what happened? No, it's not worth ___________. Nobody will do anything about it.
6. Do you ever read newspapers? No. I think it's a waste _______________.
1.7 Complete the sentences. Use only one word each time:
1. It's a waste of money buying things you don't need.
2. Every morning I spend about an hour ______ the newspaper.
3. 'What's Carol doing?' 'She's busy ______ letters.'
4. I think you waste too much time ______ television.
5. There's a beautiful view from that hill. It is worth ______ to the top.
NOTE 5: we use go + gerund for a number of activities (especially sports): e.g. Id like to go skiing.
1.8 Complete these sentences with one of the following (with the verb in the correct form): go skiing, go shopping, go swimming, go sailing, go riding:
1. Barry lives by the sea and he's got a boat, so he often goes sailing.
2. There's plenty of snow in the mountains so we'll be able to ____________.
3. It was a very hot day, so we _________________ in the river.
4. Margaret has got two horses. She often ___________________.
5. The shops are shut now. It's too late to ____________________.
NOTE 6: do not confuse I am used to doing (be/get used to) and I used to do. They are different in structure and meaning: e.g. Im used to driving on the left because Ive lived in Britain for a long time. (It isnt strange or new for me.) e.g. I used to drive to work every day, but these days I usually go by bike. (I did something regularly in the past but no longer do it.)
1.9 Read the situations and complete the sentences. Use (be/get) used to as in the example:
1. Jane is American. She came to Britain and at first she found driving on the left difficult. When she arrived in Britain, she wasnt used to driving on the left, but she soon got used to it. Now she has no problems. She is used to driving on the left.
2. Juan is Spanish and came to live in England. In Spain he always had dinner late in the evening, but in England dinner was at 6 o'clock. This was very early for him. When Juan first came to England, he ______________ dinner so early, but after some time he ____________ it. Now he finds it quite normal. He ________________ at six o'clock.
3. Julia is a nurse. A year ago she started working nights. At first she found it hard. At first Julia didn't like it. She ______________ nights and it took her a few months to _____________ it. Now, after a year, she's quite happy.
She ________________ nights.
1.10 * Complete the sentences using only one word each time:
1. Jane had to get used to driving on the left.
2. We used to live in a small village but now we live in London.
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3. Tom used to ______ a lot of coffee. Now he prefers tea.
4. I feel very full after that meal. I'm not used to ______ so much.
5. I wouldn't like to share an office. I'm used to ______ my own office.
6. I used to ______ a car but I sold it a few months ago.
7. When we were children, we used to ______ swimming every day.
8. There used to ______ a cinema here but it was knocked down a few years ago.
9. I'm the boss here! I'm not used to ______ told what to do.
NOTE 7: the gerund can be the subject of the sentence: e.g. Walking is a good exercise.
1.11 Rewrite these sentences, starting with a gerund. You may need to change some words:
e.g. A good way of keeping fit is to swim every day. Swimming every day is a good way of keeping fit.
1. It takes a long time to learn a foreign language.
2. Clean the machine more often that will solve your problems.
3. Grow your own food. It's less expensive.
4. Give up smoking: it will make you feel better.
5. It is cheaper to go by rail than by air.
6. You are not allowed to smoke here.
7. It's not very pleasant to be in hospital.
8. It's very difficult to windsurf properly.
9. It's more difficult to speak a foreign language than to read it.
10. It is forbidden to walk on the grass.
NOTE 8: In formal English, possessive + gerund can be used: e.g. I have no objection to your arriving late. In conversational English, the possessive is not used: the object form is used instead: e.g. I dont mind him coming late.
1.12 Write both the possessive and object form of the words provided:
e.g. I don't like your / you asking him to stay. (you)
1. Do you mind ______ smoking? (I)
2. The shareholders agreed to ______ closing down the factory. (we)
3. They don't understand ______ leaving home when he did. (John)
4. I'm worried about ______ taking so much money, (she)
5. I didn't like ______ lending the car to him. (you)
6. The board objected to ______ resigning. (Mr Maslin)
7. I'm bored with ______ complaining. (they)
8. Do you know the reason for ______ stopping work? (they)
9. Who told you about ______ being sacked? (he)
10. What do you think of ______ leaving the country like that? (they)
Infinitive
| Active | Passive | |
| Simple | To telephone | To be telephoned |
| Continuous | To be telephoning | _________ |
| Perfect | To have telephoned | To have been telephoned |
| Perfect Continuous | To have been telephoning | _________ |
NOTE 1: the to-infinitive is used after certain verbs: offer, agree, refuse, decide, plan, arrange, hope, aim, learn, deserve, afford, forget, attempt, manage, fail, promise, threaten, etc (Appendix 4).
2.1 Complete the sentences, using a verb from the box. Use each verb once:
help, stay, find, speak, look after, telephone, buy, go, go out, get on
e.g. We decided to go to Spain for our holidays.
1. She learnt _________________________ Arabic when she was a child.
2. I tried ____________________________ you but there was no answer.
3. They refused ______________________________________ the plane.
4. She hopes ________________________________________ a job soon.
5. Did you forget _____________________________________ the bread?
6. I'm tired: I don't want __________________________________ tonight.
7. They offered ________________________ the children for the evening.
8. They're planning ________________________ with us for the weekend.
9. He agreed ________________________________ us with our problem.
2.2 * Complete each sentence with a suitable verb:
1. Don't forget to post the letter I gave you.
2. There was a lot of traffic but we managed ______ to the airport in time.
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3. Jill has decided not ______ a car.
4. We've got a new computer in our office. I haven't learnt ______ it yet.
5. I wonder where Sue is. She promised not ______ late.
6. We were all too afraid to speak. Nobody dared ______ anything.
NOTE 2: to-infinitive is used to express purpose: e.g. I came here to see you. in order to + infinitive and so as to + infinitive are also used to express purpose, but:
in order to + infinitive is more formal than to-infinitive
in order to + infinitive and so as to + infinitive are more common than to-infinitive before verbs like be, have, know: e.g. I got up early so as to be ready for Johns phone call.
in order not to + infinitive and so as not to + infinitive are more common than not to-infinitive to express a negative purpose: e.g. He opened the door quietly so as not to disturb the baby.
2.3 Express each question and answer as one sentence, using to + infinitive. Note that you will need to change some words.
e.g. Q: Why do you go to the beach every weekend?
A: Because I like swimming. She goes to the beach every weekend to swim.
1. Q: Why did you move to London?
A: I wanted to find work. He _____
2. Q: Why are you leaving home?
A: I'm going to university in Birmingham. She _____
3. Q: Why are you having a party?
A: It's my thirtieth birthday, and I want to celebrate it. He _____
4. Q: Why do you get up at six every morning?
A: I do my training then. She _____
5. Q: Why are you going out?
A: I want to post a card to my mother. He _____
6. Q: Why are you saving money?
A: We want to buy a car. They _____
7. Q: Why are you going to Egypt?
A: We want to visit Ali's parents. They _____
8. Q: Why did you buy a new suit?
A: I want to wear it at the office party. He _____
9. Q: Why did you buy a DVD recorder?
A: We want to record the World Cup Final. They _____
NOTE 3: to-infinitive can be used after certain adjectives: e.g. Im glad to see you. If an infinitive needs its own subject, this is introduced by for. Compare: e.g. Ann will be happy to help you. Ann will be happy for the children to help you.
2.4 Write these sentences in another way, beginning as shown:
1. It's difficult to understand him. He is difficult to understand.
2. It's quite easy to use this machine. This machine is ________________.
3. It was very difficult to open the window. The window ______________.
4. It's impossible to translate some words. Some words _______________.
5. It's not safe to stand on that chair. That chair _____________________.
6. It's expensive to maintain a car. A ______________________________.
2.5 Rewrite these sentences using the structure with for... to...:
e.g. She can't come. It's impossible for her to come.
1. The meeting needn't start before eight. (There's no need for the...)
2. The postman ought to come, fit's time for...)
3. He's not usually late. (It's unusual for...)
4. I want the children to go to a good school. (I'm anxious for...)
5. John shouldn't go to Australia. (It's a bad idea...)
6. Sue shouldn't change her job just now. (It would be a mistake...)
7. Can Paul come to the meeting? (Is it possible...?)
8. The car really should have regular services. (It's important...)
9. He normally stays up late on Saturdays. (It's normal...)
10. I'd be happy if you took a holiday. (I'd be happy for...)
NOTE 4: to-infinitive can be used after certain nouns and pronouns, to show what is to be done with them or how they are to be used: e.g. Ive got some homework to do.
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2.6 Complete the second sentence using the adjective in brackets. Use a/an + adjective + noun + to-infinitive (as in the example):
1. I couldn't answer the question. (difficult) It was a difficult question to answer.
2. Everybody makes that mistake. (easy) It's an ___________________.
3. I like living in this place. (nice) It's a _________________________.
4. We enjoyed watching the game. (good) It was __________________.
2.7 Put the words in the correct order to make sentences, making one verb an infinitive and writing the other in the present simple:
e.g. plane catch she a have. She has a plane to catch.
lot of a housework there be do. There is a lot of housework to do.
1. who something eat want?
2. come expect Jane I.
3. delighted hear I be the news.
4. have books some I read.
5. illness surprised hear I be his of.
6. nothing children the have do.
7. letters I write some have.
8. shopping some he do have.
9. nothing say have I.
10. lovely see it again you be.
NOTE5: to-infinitive is used in the constructions with too and enough:
e.g. She is too tired to go out. (too + adjective/adverb negative meaning) e.g. He is rich enough to afford a yacht. (adjective/adverb + enough positive meaning) e.g. Hes got enough patience to be a teacher. (enough + noun)
2.8 Complete the text using " too" or "enough":
Gary is leaving school this year but he doesn't know what he wants to do. He isn't motivated 1) enough to go to university. He'd quite like to be an engineer but he thinks it would be 2) _____ difficult. His father wants him to work in the family shop but that's not exciting 3) _____ for Gary. He hasn't got 4) _____ patience to sit in a shop all day. He wants to travel, so the navy seems to be a good idea, although the rules are a bit 5) _____ strict. Someone suggested driving a taxi but the hours are 6) _____ long and he wouldn't earn 7) _____ money. There really is nothing that interests him 8) _____.
NOTE 6: to-infinitive is used after question words (what, how, where, etc.) except why: e.g. Have you decided where to go for your holidays?
2.9 Complete each sentence using what/how/whether + one of these verbs:
Do get go ride say use
1. Do you know how to get to Johns house?
2. Can you show me ______ ______ this washing machine?
3. Would you know ______ ______ if there was a fire in the building?
4. You'll never forget ______ ______ a bicycle once you have learned.
5. I was really astonished. I didn't know ______ ______.
6. I've been invited to the party but I don't know ______ ______ or not.
NOTE 7: to-infinitive is used after the first / the second / the third, etc. and also after the next, the last, the only: e.g. Everybody was late except me. I was the only one to arrive on time.
2.10 Complete the second sentence using the words in brackets + to-infinitive:
1. Nobody left before me. (the first) I was the first person to leave.
2. Everybody else arrived before Paul. (the last) Paul was the __________.
3. Fiona passed the exam. All the other students failed. (the only) Fiona was ________________.
4. I complained to the restaurant manager about the service. Another customer had already complained before me. (the second) I was ________________.
5. Neil Armstrong walked on the moon in 1969. Nobody had done this before him. (the first) Neil Armstrong was ________________________________.
NOTE 8: the infinitive without to is used:
After modal verbs: e.g. You must be back at 12 oclock.
After had better / would rather: e.g. Id rather go to the theatre.
After make / let / see / hear / feel + object in the active voice: e.g. Mum let me watch TV. I made him apologise. But in the passive form to-infinitive is used: e.g. He was made to apologise.
After Why not ?: e.g. Why not phone me tomorrow?
2.11 Rewrite the sentences, using the words given:
e.g. He arrived early. (I saw) I saw him arrive early.
1. I didn't want to stay at home. (They made me)
2. She got out of the car. (We watched)
3. They allowed me to telephone my lawyer. (They let)
4. They left at eleven o'clock. (I heard)
5. The policeman told me to empty my pockets. (The policeman made)
6. The dog jumped through the window. (I saw)
7. Maybe the school will ask me to pay extra. (Do you think the school will make)
8. The animal moved. I felt it. (I felt the)
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9. I want to leave the country. (Do you think the government will let)
2.12 Change the sentences as shown using either full or bare infinitives:
e.g. I couldn't understand the timetable. (wasn't able) I wasn't able to understand the timetable.
1. It's important to eat enough. (You should)
2. I'd like to go sailing this summer. (I might)
3. She will probably get married in June. (She expects)
4. I said I would help her. (I agreed)
5. It's necessary to make careful plans. (We must)
6. Perhaps he's ill. (He seems)
7. I want to change my job. (I wish I could)
8. I may come and see you next week. (I hope)
9. You don't need to apologise. (You needn't)
10. They will open a new branch in North London. (They have decided)
NOTE 6: the perfect infinitive is used:
In the third type of the conditional sentences: e.g. If he had phoned, I would have met him at the airport.
With the modal verbs in the past: e.g. Who could have told him the news?
After verbs such as want, expect, hope as a future perfect: e.g. I hope to have finished this by Christmas.
After certain adjectives, as a past: e.g. I was disappointed to have missed him.
2.13 Rewrite these sentences using perfect infinitives:
e.g. I'm glad I've met you. Im glad to have met you.
1. I was sorry I had disturbed him.
2. I expect I'll have passed all my exams by June.
3. It seems that you made a mistake. (You seem...)
4. I'm happy that I've had a chance to talk to you.
5. I was disappointed that I had missed the party.
6. It seems that she's got lost.
7. She was pleased that she had found the house.
2.14 Rewrite the sentences as shown:
e.g. She didn't marry a friend of her parents (was to) She was to have married a friend of her parents.
1. I didn't see his face when he realised what had happened. (would like to)
2. He didn't finish all his work by three o'clock. (mean)
3. We didn't spend a week skiing. (were to)
4. It wasn't the happiest week of my life. (was to)
5. She didn't say goodbye to everybody before she left. (mean)
6. I didn't live in the seventeenth century. (would like)
7. He didn't play in the Cup Final. (was to)
NOTE 7: we can use to for the infinitive of a repeated verb if the meaning is clear: e.g. Are you moving? We hope to. (= We hope to move.) Come and dance! I dont want to.
2.15 Put the beginnings and ends together:
| BEGINNINGS | ENDS |
| 1. 'Ann really upset Granny.' 2. 'Are you enjoying your new job? 3. 'Can I see you home?' 4. 'Can you mend this by Tuesday?' 5. 'Did you get my coat from the cleaner's?' 6. 'Do you collect stamps?' 7. 'Do you think he knows what he's doing?' 8. 'Do you want to come out with us tonight?' 9. 'Does she think she'll win?' 10. 'How would you and Sue like to spend the weekend with us?' 11. 'I think you ought to see the police about the people next door.' 12. 'Shall we go swimming?' 13. 'Should we book seats in advance?' 14. We'd like to move to a bigger house, | a) but we can't afford to. b) 'He seems to.' c) 'I don't really want to - it's too cold.' d) 'I intend to. They can't go on keeping the whole street awake every night.' e) 'I'd like to, but I'm working late.' f) Ill try to, but I can't promise.' g) 'I'm sure she didn't mean to.' h) 'If you'd like to.' i) 'No, but I used to.' j) 'Sorry, I forgot to.' k) 'We don't need to - there's always plenty of room.' l) 'We'd love to.' m) 'Well, I m starting to. n) 'Yes, she expects to.' |
NOTE 8: the subject of the infinitive or of the ing form is omitted when it is the same as the subject of the main verb: e.g. They want to buy a new house.
When the subject of the infinitive or of the ing form is different from the subject of the main verb, then an object pronoun (me, him, her, us) or a noun is place before the non-finite form: e.g. I want him to leave now.
2.16 Rephrase the following as in the example:
e.g. I must go to the gym to keep fit. I want to go to the gym to keep fit.
1. He must eat less. I want ______
2. They must tell her the truth. I want ______
3. You must change your clothes. They're wet. I want ______
4. She must get up early. I want ______
5. I must learn to type. He wants ______
6. She mustn't speak rudely. I don't want ______
7. She must stay in bed for a week. The doctor wants ______
8. They must leave early. They want ______
9. They must apologise. I want ______
NOTE 9: the Subject-with-the Infinitive construction:
The verbs believe, expect, feel, hope, know, report, say, think etc can be used in the following passive pattern:
e.g. People say she is rich. → Subject (person) + passive + to-infinitive → She is said to be rich. (see Passive Structures, page 53)
3. Revision: Gerund or Infinitive?
3.1 Write what each word is followed by: F.I. (full infinitive), B.I. (bare infinitive) or -ing (gerund):
1. want + F.I. 6. will + ___ 11. expect + ___ 16. can + ___
2. dislike + ___ 7. make + ___ 12. it's no use + ___ 17. start + ___
3. would love + ___ 8. avoid + ___ 13. hope + ___ 18. deny + ___
4. it's worth + ___ 9. see + ___ 14. let + ___ 19. hate + ___
5. finish + ___ 10. promise + ___ 15. shall + ___ 20. must + ___
3.2 Put the verbs in brackets in the infinitive or the -ing form:
1. I don't like singing/to sing in public. (sing)
2. It's no use ______ her. She won't listen. (tell)
3. I'm still too upset ______ about it. (talk)
4. Don't disturb him. He's busy ______. (work)
5. Stop ______ your nails! (bite)
6. Don't expect him ______ you any money. (lend)
7. I've decided ______ him. (leave)
8. Mum made me ______ my medicine, (take)
9. She agreed ______ him £1,000. (lend)
10. He denied ______ the stolen goods. (receive)
NOTE 1: Verbs taking to-infinitive or the Gerund without a change in meaning
| begin, start, continue + to-inf. or the gerund. However, we never have two -ing forms together. | e.g. She began dancing/to dance. But: It's beginning to get cold.
Not: |
| advise, allow, permit, recommend, encourage when followed by an object or in passive form take a to-infinitive. They take the -ing form when not followed by an object. | e.g. He doesn't allow us to smoke here. They aren't allowed to smoke here. They don't allow smoking here. |
| it needs/it requires/it wants + -ing form "It needs" can also be followed by a passive infinitive. | e.g. The house needs/requires/wants painting. The car needs repairing/to be repaired. |
3.3 Put the verb in the right form: -ing or infinitive (with or without to):
1. She doesn't allow ______ in the house. (smoke)
2. I've never been to Iceland but I'd like ______ there (go)
3. I'm in a difficult position. What do you advise me ______? (do)
4. She said the letter was personal and wouldn't let me ______ it. (read)
5. We were kept at the police station for two hours and then we were allowed ______. (go)
6. Where would you recommend me ______ for my holidays? (go)
7. I wouldn't recommend ______ in that restaurant. The food is awful. (eat)
8. The film was very sad. It made me ______. (cry)
9. Carol's parents always encouraged her ______ hard at school. (study)
3.4 Fill in the infinitive or -ing form:
The rules in my new school are very strict. The teachers don't allow 1. talking (talk) in class at all. We are only permitted 2. ______ (speak) if they ask us a question. On the first day, the headmaster advised us all 3. ______ (work) very hard. In fact, he recommended 4. ______ (study) for at least four hours every evening! We are not allowed 5. ______ (leave) the school at lunchtime but we are encouraged 6. ______ (join) one of the school clubs. Next week I'm starting chess.
NOTE 2: Verbs taking to-infinitive or the Gerund with a change in meaning
1. FORGET + to-inf = not remember: e.g. I'm sorry, I forgot to buy milk.
FORGET + ing form = forget a past event: e. g. He'll never forget flying over the Alps.
2. REMEMBER + to-inf = remember to do sth: e.g. Remember to turn off the cooker before leaving.
REMEMBER + -ing form = recall a past event: e.g. I don't remember staying in this hotel before.
3. GO ON + to-inf = finish doing sth and start doing sth else; then: e.g. After finishing the report, she went on to type some letters.
GO ON + -ing form = continue: e.g. She went on talking for hours.
4. MEAN + to-inf = intend to: e.g. He means to find a job abroad.
MEAN + -ing form = involve: e.g. Finding a job means attending many interviews.
5. REGRET + to-inf = be sorry to: e.g. I regret to tell you that there is no money left in your account.
REGRET + -ing form = have second thoughts about sth one has already done: e.g. I regret buying/having bought this dress; it doesn't look nice on me.
6. TRY + to-inf = do one's best, attempt: e.g. The firemen are trying to put out the fire.
TRY + -ing form = do sth as an experiment: e.g. Why don't you try adding some sugar to the sauce? It might taste better.
7. WANT + to-inf = wish: e.g. I want to spend my holidays in Spain.
WANT + -ing form = need sth done: e.g. This room wants painting again.
8. STOP + to-inf = pause temporarily: e.g. She stopped to get some petrol before continuing on her journey to Leeds.
STOP + -ing form = finish; end: e.g. Stop talking, please!
9. BE SORRY + to-inf = regret: e.g. I'm sorry to hear they fired him.
BE SORRY + -ing form = apologise: e.g. I'm sorry for being/having been unfair to you.
10. BE AFRAID + to-inf (the subject is too frightened to do sth): e.g. I'm afraid to climb up that tree. (I don't want to do it.)
BE AFRAID OF + -ing form (the subject is afraid that what is described by the -ing form may happen): e.g. She won't climb up the tree; she is afraid of falling. (She is afraid because she might fall.)
11. LIKE / DISLIKE / LOVE / HATE + to-inf. = Describes a regular activity: e.g. I like to go for a run before work. (I like it because I think it's a good idea. I may or may not enjoy the activity while I am actually doing it.)
LIKE / DISLIKE / LOVE / HATE + -ing form = e.g. I like going for a run before work. (I enjoy the activity of going for a run before work. I may or may not do it regularly.)
12. HATE + to-inf. = hate what one is about to do: e.g. I hate to interrupt, but I must talk to you.
HATE + -ing form = feel sorry for what one is doing: e.g. I hate making you feel uncomfortable.
PREFER
e.g. I don't go out much. I prefer to stay at home in the evenings.
e.g. I don't go out much. I prefer staying at home in the evenings.
(The meaning of these two sentences is very similar.)
e.g. I prefer staying in to going out.
(We cannot say: I prefer to stay in to go out.)
e.g. I'd prefer to stay in tonight (rather) than go to the party.
(Would prefer is followed by the infinitive and refers to a specific occasion. NOT: I'd prefer staying in tonight.)
3.5 Fill in the gaps with the verbs in brackets in the infinitive or the -ing form:
e.g. Remember to go (go) to the bank. You've got to pay the bills.
1. I don't remember ______ (see) this film before.
2. When he had written his first book he went on ______ (write) seven more.
3. She went on ______ (talk) even after her friend had fallen asleep.
4. I regret ______ (leave) school at the age of 16.
5. I regret ______ (tell) you that you have failed the test.
6. He means ______ (build) a boat and travel round the world.
7. Doing well on this course means ______ (study) very hard.
8. I've been trying ______ (start) this car for hours.
9. Why don't you try ______ (put) some petrol in the tank?
10. I don't want to drive a car; I'm afraid of ______ (have) an accident.
3.6 Put the verb into the correct form, -ing or to-infinitive:
1. a) I was very tired. I tried ______ (keep) my eyes open but I couldn't.
b) I rang the doorbell but there was no answer. Then I tried ______ (knock) on the door, but there was still no answer.
c) We tried ______ (put) the fire out but we were unsuccessful. We had to call the fire brigade.
d) Sue needed to borrow some money. She tried ______ (ask) Gerry but he was short of money too.
e) I tried ______ (reach) the shelf but I wasn't tall enough.
f) Please leave me alone. I'm trying ______ (concentrate).
2. a) I need a change. I need ______ (go) away for a while.
b) She isn't able to look after herself. She needs ______ (look) after.
c) The windows are dirty. They need ______ (clean).
d) Why are you leaving now? You don't need ______ (go) yet, do you?
e) You don't need ______ (iron) that shirt. It doesn't need ______ (iron).
3. a) They were talking very loudly. I couldn't help _____ (overhear) them.
b) Can you help me ______ (get) the dinner ready?
c) He looks so funny. Whenever I see him, I can't help ______ (smile).
d) The fine weather helped ______ (make) it a very enjoyable holiday.
Present Participle
NOTE 1: verbs of perception (see, notice, look at, watch, feel, hear, listen to) can be followed by the ing form or the bare infinitive. The verb smell can only be followed by the ing form.
The use of the bare infinitive describes the complete action: e.g. I watched her play tennis. (I saw the whole game)
The use of the ing form describes the action in progress or incomplete action: e.g. I watched her playing tennis. (I saw the game in progress. I did not see the whole game.)
4.1 Put the verbs in brackets into the ing form or the bare infinitive:
Last night I heard car brakes 1. screeching (screech) and people 2. ______ (shout) in the street. When I looked out of the window I saw a crowd of about twenty people 3. ______ (stand) around a young boy 4. ______ (lie) in the street. Next, I saw the driver of the car 5. ______ (approach) the crowd and 6. ______ (kneel down) by the boy, he was 7. ______ (look) very anxious. 8. ______ (watch) the drama from my window, I began 9. ______ (consider) the boy's family. Then a few minutes later, I saw a young woman 10. ______ (run) towards the scene and 11. ______ (push) her way through the crowd. Soon, I heard an ambulance siren 12. ______ (scream) in the distance, 13. ______ (get) closer and closer. Then I saw the ambulance stop in front of my house. I watched the ambulance men 14. ______ (get out) and 15. ______ (run) to the injured boy. Minutes later I saw them 16. ______ (run back) to their ambulance with the boy on a stretcher followed by his mother.
4.2 Complete the answers to the questions:
1. Did anybody go out? I don't think so. I didn't see anybody go out.
2. Has Jill arrived yet? Yes, I think I heard her ____________.
3. How do you know I took the money? I know because I saw you ______.
4. Did the doorbell ring? I'm not sure. I didn't hear ________________.
5. Can Tom play the piano? I've never heard ___________________.
6. Did I lock the door when I went out? Yes, you did. I saw ___________.
7. How did the woman fall in the river? I don't know. I didn't see ______.
NOTE 2: when two things happen at the same time, you can use ing-clause for one of the verbs. The main clause usually comes first: e.g. Ive just seen Carol. She is in the bar having a drink. (= she is in the bar and she is having a drink.)
We also use ing-clause for the longer action: e.g. Jim hurt his arm while playing tennis.
When one action happens before another action, we use having done for the first action: e.g. Having found a hotel, we looked for somewhere to have dinner.
You can use an ing-clause to explain something: e.g. Feeling tired I went to bed early. (= because I felt tired.)
4.3 Join a sentence from A with one from B to make one sentence. Use an ing-clause:
A: Carol was in the bar. Emma was sitting in an armchair. Sue got home late. Sarah went out. Linda was in London for two years. Mary walked round the town.
B: She was feeling very tired. She looked at the sights and took photographs. She said she would be back in an hour. She was reading a book. She was having a drink. She worked as a tourist guide.
e.g. Carol was in the bar having a drink.
4.4 Make one sentence from two using an ing-clause:
1. Jim was playing tennis. He hurt his arm. Jim hurt his arm playing tennis.
2. I was watching television. I fell asleep. I ___________________________________.
3. The man slipped. He was getting off a bus. The man _________________________.
4. I was walking home in the rain. I got wet. I _________________________________.
5. Margaret was driving to work yesterday. She had an accident. _____________________
6. Two firemen were overcome by smoke. They were trying to put out the fire. ________________________________
4.5 Make sentences beginning Having...:
1. She finished her work. Then she went home. Having finished her work, she went home.
2. We bought our tickets. Then we went into the theatre.
3. They continued their journey after they'd had dinner.
4. After Lucy had done all her shopping, she went for a cup of coffee.
4.6 Make sentences beginning -ing or Not + -ing. Sometimes you need to begin with Having (done something):
1. I felt tired. So I went to bed early. Feeling tired I went to bed early.
2. I thought they might be hungry. So I offered them something to eat.
3. She is a foreigner. So she needs a visa to stay in this country.
4. I didn't know his address. So I wasn't able to contact him.
5. Sarah has travelled a lot. So she knows a lot about other countries.
6. The man wasn't able to understand English. So he didn't know what I wanted.
7. We had spent nearly all our money. So we couldn't afford to stay in a hotel.
Past Participle
NOTE 1: Present Participles describe what something or somebody is: e.g. Ted is an interesting person. (What kind of person? Interesting.)
Past Participles describe how someone feels: e.g. Mary is interested in English literature. (How does she feel about English literature? Interested.)
5.1 Fill in the correct participle:
Paul: You must be very 1) excited (excite). Paris is a 2) _____ (fascinate) city. There are so many 3) _____ (interest) things to do. You won't be 4) _____ (bore).
Jane: Well, I'm a bit 5) _____ (worry) because I can't speak French very well.
Paul: You should buy a phrase book and then you won't be 6) _____ (embarrass) if someone speaks to you. They won't be 7) _____ (annoy) if you make a mistake, and most people will be 8) _____ (please) if you ask for something in French.
Jane: I'm sure they'll find my accent very 9) _____ (amuse).
Paul: Don't be silly. I'm sure you'll have a very 10) _____ (stimulate) holiday.
5.2 Complete the words:
1. I was surpris___ to see Ann there.
It was surpris___ to see her.
3. I find this work very tir___
4. It makes me tir___.
5. Her exam results were disappoint____.
6. She was pretty disappoint___.
7. She was excit___ about her new job.
8. It was an excit___ new challenge.
9. We were shock___ to hear about your brother.
10. The news was really shock___.
5.3 What are the people interested in? Make sentences.
e.g. An astronomer is interested in the stars.
| Animals, clothes, food, languages, medicine, plants, the past, |
5.4 Open the brackets using the correct form of the Participle:
1. a) Scientists ______ (to deal) with the problems of pollution insist on its being exactly assessed. b) The problem of pollution in industrial areas ______ (to deal) with in this paper is one of the most important for modern science.
2. a) People ______ (to use) force when it is not necessary cannot be justified. b) Electronic computers ______ (to use) in the research saved the scientists a lot of time.
3. a) Drought ______ (to follow) by famine had a disastrous effect on the economy of the country. b) The discovery of the synthetic penicillin ______ (to follow) the original discovery by A.Plemming, was ls made in Britain.
4. a) ______ (To carry out) numerous experiments and tests, the scientists tried to prove the original hypothesis. b) The experiments ______ (to carry out) by a team of young scientists led to sensational results.
5. a) The architect didn't like this design ______ (to involve) him in a lot of extra work. b)He enjoyed the travelling ______ (to involve) in his new job.
NOTE 2: have something done is used to describe an action which I arrange but do not do myself:
e.g. Jim arranged for the plumber to fix the tap. Jim had the tap fixed. (He didnt do it himself the plumber did it.)
All tenses are possible:
e.g. Im having my house painted at the moment.
Note the word order. The object goes before the past participle there is a difference between:
e.g. He had his car cleaned. and He had cleaned his car.
5.5 Rewrite these sentences using have + object + past participle and changing some words if necessary:
1. Someone delivers the newspapers. (We) We have the newspapers delivered.
2. Someone cleaned the carpets every year. (I) I had the carpets cleaned every year.
3. Their house needs painting. (They're going to) They're going to have their house painted.
4. We ask someone to check the accounts every month. (We)
5. Someone sends the money to my bank account in London. (I)
6. My stereo isn't working properly. It needs cleaning. (I'm going to)
7. My camera's being repaired at the moment. (I'm)
8. He spilt coffee on my jacket so he took it away for cleaning. (He spilt coffee on my jacket so he)
9. I think it's time to service the car. (It's time to)
10. I don't like the office curtains. It's time to change them. (I think I'll)
11. There's something wrong with the typewriter. It needs repairing. (I think I'll)
12. We couldn't go to Jack's flat: it was being painted. (We couldn't go to Jack's flat: he)
13. The computer's no good: we're changing it. (We)
14. I send the films to England: they are processed there. (I)
15. I didn't want to eat in the hotel dining-room, so I asked them to send a meal up to my room. (I didn't want to eat in the hotel dining-room, so I)
5.6 * Rewrite the words underlined using have + object + past participle:
1. There's a photographer over there. Why don't we ask her to take our
picture? Why don't we have our picture taken?
2. I've finally decided to arrange for someone to pierce my nose. I've finally decided to have my nose pierced.
3. There's a leak in the roof. We should arrange for someone to repair it.
4. What time is it? I'm afraid someone hasn't repaired my watch yet.
5. Someone is going to redecorate the kitchen for us next month.
6. If I were you, I'd ask someone to fell that tree. It shuts out all the light.
7. I'm having a bit of trouble with my eyes at the moment so someone's going to test them next week.
8. I love someone massaging my shoulders.
9. The dentist hasn't checked my teeth this year.
10. The baby was crying because someone was washing her hair.
11. He looks much younger. I think someone's dyed his hair.
12. I don't know if I've passed the course because the tutors haven't marked all my work yet.
13. That wasps' nest is dangerous. You must ask someone to remove it.
NOTE 3: the Absolute Participial construction.
Pay attention to how such construction is translated into Russian:
e.g. His speech finished, the audience applauded. , .
e.g. The speaker having finished, the audience applauded. , .
e.g. His speech being very interesting, the audience listened attentively. , .
e.g. He continued speaking, his colleagues listening attentively. , .
5.7 Translate the following sentences into Russian:
1. Her proposal having been accepted, she took her seat.
2. Nobody having anything more to say, the meeting was closed.
3. The crisis having passed, they could think about the future.
4. Her courage failing, the girl rushed back.
5. It being a scientific matter, we had to call in specialists.
6. The standard of living having improved after the First World War, the working lss families could afford spending more money on foodstuffs.
7. He died in 1908, his tasks accomplished.
8. His outlook uninfluenced by science, he committed a number of serious errors in his judgments.
9. Curbing the dynamics of industrial development being highly unrealistic, we should turn technology to the construction of healthy environment.
10. Both scientists and scholars carry out research, the difference between the two being that the former are engaged in exact and natural sciences, while the latter work in the field of the humanities.
11. Silver being very expensive, we only rarely use it as a conductor.
12. Radioactivity discovered, we made great progress in atomic physics.
13. Acids react with oxides of all the metals, a salt and water being formed.
14. The speed of light being extremely great, we cannot measure it by ordinary methods.
15. Other liquids being too light, a barometer uses mercury.
5.8 Join each of the following pairs of sentences using Past Participle:
e.g. The speaker refused to continue. He w s infuriated by the interruptions. Infuriated by the interruptions, the speaker refused to continue.
1. He decided to have some rest. He was exhausted by hard work. ________________________________________
2. We decided to go home. We were depressed by the news. _______________________________________
3. Jack gave up his studies. He was denied his opportunity to carry out experiments. ____________________________________________
4. Art students fail to understand the importance of science. They are inclined to regard science only as the power behind mass production. ________________________________________________________
5. We changed the lines of our research. We were disappointed by the results. ________________________________________________
Test yourself: non-finites
Circle the correct answer.
1. I would like see / to see you again.
2. Can you help / to help me?
3. Is it necessary buy / to buy a ticket now?
4. I hope go / to go to America in July.
5. Try not to / to not forget your keys.
Put in the correct form of the verb.
6. I promise ______ you every day. (phone)
7. She suggested ______ a doctor. (see)
8. We agreed ______ together. (work)
9. I didn't expect ______ John there. (see)
10. I'm really going to stop ______. (smoke)
11. I can't keep ______ I'm too tired. (drive)
12. Ann has decided ______ a car. (buy)
13. The boss refused ______ to me. (talk)
14. I thought of ______ you a birthday card, but I forgot. (send)
15. They still haven't finished ______. (talk)
16. Bill doesn't want ______ with us. (come)
17. Your English is good, but you must practise ______. (speak)
Circle the correct answer.
18. We need ______ tickets. A) to get B) getting
19. It is important ______ 'No' sometimes. A) to say B) say C) saying
20. ______ to work takes a lot of time. A) To drive B) Drive C) Driving
21. You can't live without ______. A) to eat. B) eat. C) eating.
22. I came here ______ my sister. A) to see B) for see C) for seeing
23. After ______ work, I went home. A) finish; B) to finish; C) finished; D) finishing
Rewrite the sentences with infinitives.
e.g. I saw Mary. I was happy. I was happy to see Mary.
24. I found a cat in my bed. I was surprised.
25. I didn't have time to phone you. I was sorry.
26. You can easily remember my phone number. My phone number is ______.
Circle the correct answer.
27. Can you lend me something __ A) to read? B) for read? C) for reading?
28. I can't come out - I've got a lot of letters __ A) to write. B) writing. C) for writing.
Rewrite the sentences with too or enough.
29. It's very heavy. Nobody can lift it. (too) It's too ___________________.
30. He's 18, so he can vote. (enough) He's __________________________.
31. I'm very tired. I can't drive. (too) ______________________________.
Write sentences with want or would like.
32. Boss: Mary, can you answer the phone? (want) The boss ___________.
33. Ann: Pat, could you look after the children? (would like) ___________.
Appendix 1
Active Voice: Formation
| Simple | Continuous | Perfect | Perfect Continuous | |
| Present | V, V(es) e.g. She studies at this university. | am/is/are + P1 e.g. She is studying English now. | have/has+ PP e.g. He has repaired her car. | have/has been + P1 e.g. He has been waiting for her for 10 minutes. |
| Past | V-ed, V2 e.g. She studied at this university. | was/were + P1 e.g. She was studying English when I came. | had + PP e.g. He had repaired her car by the time she came. | had been + P1 e.g. He had been waiting for her for 10 minutes yesterday. |
| Future | will + V e.g. She will study at this university. | will be + P1 e.g. She will be studying English at this time tomorrow. | will have + PP e.g. He will have repaired her car by Monday. | will have been + P1 e.g. He will have been waiting for her for 10 minutes by the time she gets home |
Note: V = verb
V2 = the second column of the Irregular Verbs Table
P1 = Participle One (verb + ing)
PP = Participle Two or Past Participle (regular verbs + - ed; irregular verb see the third column of the table)
Now check your answers (tenses):
Part A: 1. A, 2. B, 3. C, 4. A, 5. D, 6. B, 7. A, 8. A, 9. D, 10. B.
Part B: 12. I haven't written, 13. Ive been training, 14. played, 15. came, 16. enjoyed, 17. I haven't done, 18. arrived, 19. went, 20. was raining, 21. arrived, 22. was crossing, 23. splashed, 24. changed, 25. is expecting, 26. told, 27. hasn't arrived, 28. has discovered, 29. died, 30. bought, 31. was working, 32. recognized, 33. painted, 34. paid, 35. say.
Appendix 2
Passive Voice: Formation
| Simple | Continuous | Perfect | |
| Present | am/is/are+PP e.g. Cars are repaired. | am/is/are+being+PP e.g. The car is being repaired. | have/has+been+PP e.g. The car has been repaired. |
| Past | was/were+PP e.g. The car was repaired. | was/were+being+PP e.g. The car was being repaired. | had been + PP e.g. The car had been repaired. |
| Future | will be + PP e.g. The car will be repaired. | will have been + PP e.g. The car will have been repaired. |
Now check your answers (reported speech):
1.1 ____ she didnt understand his work.
1.2 ____ this word means.
1.3 ۷
1.4 ۷
1.5 ____ lived.
2.1 Had been, 2.2 told, 2.3 was having, 2.4 was doing, 2.5 had had, 2.6 the previous, 2.7 would, 2.8 said, 2.9 had, 2.10 had lost, 2.11 to buy, 2.12 if/whether, 2.13 was, 2.14 was, 2.15 would, 2.16 was living, 2.17 had spent, 2.18 to send, 2.19 to give, 2.20 told, 2.21 hadnt heard, 2.22 where, 2.23 was living, 2.24 if/whether, 25. wanted.
Now check your answers (passive voice):
1. Posted, 2. werent paid, 3. speaks, 4. isnt pronounced, 5. will be built, 6. is being cleaned, 7. have been invited
8. Is made, 9. were killed, 10. will be done, 11. is spoken
12. A, 13. B, 14. B, 15. A
16. Are being followed, 17. has been stolen, 18. is being repaired, 19. have been moved, 20. have been sent, 21. are being interviewed
22. Meal tickets were given to all the passengers. 23. Ellen has been shown the plans for the new building. 24. A weeks holiday has been promised to all the office workers. 25. Laura was sent a bill for the repairs.
Appendix 3
The -ing form is used:
1. as a noun:
e.g. Eating vegetables is good for your health.
2. after certain verbs
(admit (to), avoid, consider, continue, delay, deny, enjoy, escape, excuse, fancy, finish, forgive, imagine, involve, keep (= continue), look forward to, mention, mind, miss, object to, postpone, practise, prevent, report, resist, risk, save, stand, suggest, understand etc)
e.g. He admitted (to) stealing the painting.
3. after love, like, dislike, hate, enjoy, prefer (to express general preference)
e.g. He likes cooking (in general).
Note: like + to-inf = it's a good idea; it's useful
e.g. I like to eat a healthy breakfast. (specific
preference)
4. after I'm busy, it's no use, it's (no) good, it's (not) worth, what's the use of, can't help, there's no point (in), can't stand, be/get used to, be/get accustomed to, have difficulty (in)
e.g. It's no use complaining.
5. after " go " for physical activities:
e.g. They go skiing every winter.
6. after spend/waste time
e.g. He wasted his time playing video games.
7. after prepositions
e.g. He entered without knocking at the door.
8. after see, hear, listen, watch to express an incomplete action, an action in progress or a long action:
e.g. I
