GERUND AND INFINITIVE

I. Make the right choice for the verbs in brackets.

1. Would you like (to do/ doing) scientific research?

2. Are you able (testing/ to test) your strength and energy?
3. Are you willing (checking/ to check) and double check your work?
4. Do the ethical standard have to be high (to meet/ meeting) the requirements of the job?
5. What do you hope (to do/ doing) when you graduate?
6. Where have you decide (going/ to go) after class?
7. Do you want (to have/ having) more free time?
8. Are you going (going/ to have) with them?
9. Does that young pharmacist enjoy (dealing/ to deal) with the drugstore public?
10. Why did he avoid (meeting/ to meet) you?
11. Is there anything here worth (to buy/ buying)?
12. Why does he detest (to write/ writing) letter?
13. Its no use (helping/ to help) him, is it?
14. Did you miss (to see/ seeing) him yesterday?
15. Did you postpone (going/ to go) to Hanoi?
16. Would you mind (to wait/ waiting) a moment?
II. Supply an appropriate form, gerund or infinitive, of the verb in parentheses.

1. Keep (talk). Im listening to you.

2. The children promised (play) more quietly. They promised (make, not) so much noise.
3. Linda offered (look after) my cat while I was out of town.
4. You shouldnt put off (pay) your bills.
5. Alexs dog loves (chase) sticks.
6. Mark mentioned (go) to the market later today. I wonderif hes still planning (go).
7. Fred suggested (go) (ski) in the mountain this weekend. How does that sound to you?
8. The doctor offered Mr. Gray (smoke, not).
9. Dont tell me his secret. I prefer (know, not).
10. Could you please stop (whistle)? Im trying (concentrate) on my work.
11. She finally decided (quit) her present job and (look for) another one.
12. Did you remember (turn) off the stove?
13. Jack was allowed (renew) his student visa.
14. Pat told us (wait, not) for her.
15. Mr. Buck warned his daughter (play, not) with matches.
16. Would you please remind me (call) Alice tomorrow?
17. Liz encouraged me (throw) away my old running shoes and (buy) a new pair without holes in the
toes.
18. Im considering (drop out of) school, (hichkike) to New York, and (try) (find) a job.
19. Sally reminded me (ask) you (tell) Bob (remember) (bring) his soccer ball to the picnic.
20. Dont forget (tell) Jane (call) me about (go) (swim) tomorrow.
21. Hes expecting (make) a trip to Ha Long bay.
22. She couldnt bear (shed) tears when she saw the film Romeo and Juliet.
23. His wife cant stand him (arrive) home so late every night.
24. I very much enjoy (listen) to classical music.
25. Would you mind (buy) me a newspaper?
26. Would you like (have) the next dance with me?
27. Do you hate (be) criticized or are you ready for any criticism?
28. I hate him (make) friend with those guys.
29. Does the city government intend (do) anything about pollution?
30. They finished (learn) and then they want (go) out for a pleasure.
31. I hope (not do) that tiring work again.
32. They postponed (build) an elementary school for lack of finance.
33. Its no use (advise) him. He never follows anybodys advice.
34. His idea is worth (listen) to.
35. He always avoids (meet) me on the street.
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 36. He denies (give) me any advices but didnt tell me why.
37. I missed (talk) to the president when he paid a visit to my small town.
38. She decided (delay) (give) birth. She wanted (continue) her university education.
39. We hope (finish) (make) the report very soon.
40. The man has promised (offer) me a job.
I. Use the gerund or the infinitive for the bracketed verbs:

1. I dont like (watch) T.V. Id like (come) to her house this everning.
2. She is trying (not fall) in love again.
3. Students stop (make) noises when the teacher came in.
4. Did you remember (phone) Ann? Oh no. I completely forgot it.
5. They tried (put) out the fire then but it took them nearly a house.
6. Those shirts need (iron) but you dont need (iron) them now.
7. I really regret (hurt) your feeling when I ask you such a silly question.
8. Hell try (not make) the same mistake again.
9. Someone must have taken my bag. I clearly remember (leave) it by the window and now it has
gone.
10. They stopped (take) 5 break.
11. Dont forget (give) her the message when you see her.
12. You should try (wear) any shirts you want to buy.
13. Every hour he stops work (smoke) a cigarettes
14. I regret (tell) you that you have failed the exam.
15. I cant go on (work) here any more. I want a different job.
16. When I came into the room, Liz was reading a newspaper. She looked up and said hello to me ,
and then went on (read) her newspaper.
II. Choose the best answer:

1. We all decided__________ our holiday on a Greek island last year.

a. to spend b. spend c.spending d. spent

2. I enjoy ___________ on the beach in the summer.

a. lying b. to lie c. lie d. lay

3. I gave up ___________ at the post office last week.

a. work b. working c. to work d. all are correct

4. Feeling asleep, the driver stopped __________ a cup of coffee.

a. to have b. have c. having d. had

5. Remember _________ the doors before going out.

a. close b. closing c. to close d. b and c are correct

6. We regret __________ you that we are unable to help you.

a. to tell b. tell c. telling d. told

7. The doctor advised her __________ weight because she was too fat.
a. lose b. lost c. to lose d. losing

8. Youd better __________ up early in the morning to jog.

a. get b. to get c. got d. getting

9. Mary tried __________ the table, but it was too heavy.

a. to move b. moving c. move d. moved

10. My brother used to __________ basketball, but now he plays volleyball.

a. playing b. to play c. played d. play

11. Youll get used to __________ in the city.

a. lived b. to live c. living d. live
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 12. Can you tell me how __________ the station.
a. to get b. getting c. get d. got

13. Would you mind __________ those windows ?

a. open b. openning c. to open d. opening

14. My father usually helps us__________ difficult exercises.

a. to do b do c. doing d. a and b are correct

15. Look! We arent allowed __________ here. The car needs __________ on the right position

a. to park/ to park b. to park/ parking c. parking/ to park d. parking/ parking

16. The orator stopped __________ . He felt thirsty so he stopped __________ a drink.

a. talking/ having b. to talk/ to have c. talking/ to have d. to talk/ talking

17. I need __________ what is in the letter. Why dont you let me __________ it?

a. to know/ reading b.knowing/ read c. to know/ read d. knowing/ to read

18. I regret not __________ your advice, so I lost my job.

a. to take b. take c. taking d. taken

19. Thank you for __________ me to come and see you next month. Im excited about __________
you again.

a. invite/ see b. inviting/ seeing c. to invite/ to see d. to invite/ see

20. We found it very difficult__________ with Anna. She keeps forgetting __________on important
message.

a. work/ passing b. to work/ to pass c. to work/ passsing d. working/ to pass

21. I had difficulty __________ way to solve the situation. But it is no use __________ about it.

a. finding/ to worry b. to find/ worrying c. find/ worry d. finding/ worrying

22. My parents didnt permit me___________ last night.

a. gone b. went c.to go d. going

23. Dont forget __________ me a letter when you arrive in Hanoi!

a. sending b. sent c. to send d. send

24. His father told __________up late.

a. him not to stay b. him not staying c. him to not stay d. not to stay

Word study: DO, MAKE

Use Make or Do in the following sentences:

1. A computer can (make/ do) complex computation in a very short time.

2. Mr. President will (make/ do) a speech at the meeting.
3. What kind of research is Mr. Lam (making/ doing) in the laboratory?
4. A lot of reports were (make/ done) on the air-crash.
5. The children are (making/ doing) too much noise outside the house.
6. She (makes/ does) the ironing every night.
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 7. The teacher always gives us assignments to (make/ do) at home.
8. He asked us to sit down and then went to (make/ do) some tea.
9. What is she (making/ doing) now? Shes watching TV.
10. If you (make/ do) something wrong, will you feel sorry for it?
11. This factory (makes/ does) cars.
12. A lot of inventions have been (made/ done) to improve human life.
13. You should (make/ do) a decision as soon as possible.
14. You (made/ did) too many spelling errors in your answers.
15. She doesnt have to (make/ do) the cooking this evening because her family is going out for
dinner.
16. She promised to (make/ do) her best to get a good result.

II. Make sentences with Make or Do according to these cues:

1. She/ never/ such a mistake/ before.

2. They/ good business/ at the moment.
3. I/ the gardening/ every afternoon.
4. She/ a big cake/ for my birthday.
5. Tom/ not his English test/ well/ last week.
6. They/ an appointment/ for 2 oclock p.m.?
7. You/ homework/ yet?
8. Every student/ must/ duty.
9. He hasnt/ a report/ the journey yet.
10. A moment, please! I / be/ my hair.

III. Fill in each gap with the appropriate form of the verb in bracket:

1. The scientists are testing the.of the water here (pure).

2. Special drugs should be.and dispensed carefully (manufacturer).
3. People must have.for the air pollution (responsible).
4. ..in filling a prescription coud cost a life. (care)
5. An air-hostess must be very.(tact).
6. You will have to use yourto deal with this problem (judge)

EXERCISE 1: Preposition + V-ing.

Complete the sentences so that they mean the same as the previous sentence(s):

1. Why is it useful to have a car?

What are the advantages of having a car?

2. I dont intend to lend you any money.

I have no ....................................................................................................................

3. Helen has a good memory for name.

Helen is good ............................................................................................................

4. Mark wont pass the exam. He has no chance.

Mark has no ...............................................................................................................

5. Did you get into trouble because you were late?

Did you get into trouble ............................................................................................?

6. We didnt eat at home. We went to a restaurant instead.

Instead .......................................................................................................................
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 7. Tom thinks that working is better that doing nothing.
Tom prefers working.................................................................................................

8. They get married. They didnt tell any of their friends.

They got married without ..........................................................................................

9. Our team played well but we lost the game.

Our team lost the game in spite.................................................................................

EXERCISE 2: Expressions + -ing.

I. Rewrite the following sentences so that the meaning is similar to that of the first sentence.

1. The film isnt very good.

Its not worth ...................................................................

2. Theres an interesting article in the paper today.

Its worth .........................................................................

3. Dont eat it if you are not hungry.

Theres no .......................................................................

4. Dont study if you feel tired.

Theres no .......................................................................

5. I managed to get a visa but it was difficult.

I had difficulty.................................................................

6. Do you find it difficult to understand him?

Do you have ....................................................................?

7. Buying the thing you dont need is a waste of money.

Its a waste of ..................................................................

II. Complete the sentences. Using only one word each time.

1. Its a waste of money .the things you dont need.

2. Every morning I spend about an hour newspapers.
3. Whats Carol doing? Shes busy..letters
4. I think you waste too much time.television.
5. Theres a beautiful view from that hill. Its worth.to the top.
EXERCISE 3: Verb + preposition + -ing.

I. Using the correct preposition and appropriate form of the verb in parentheses to complete the following
sentences:

Example:

Jack insisted on going out by himself. (go)

1. After a long time we eventually succeeded..a flat . (find)

2. Ive been thinking.for a new job. (look)
3. His parent didnt approve.him..out so late. (stay)
4. I wonder what prevented him.to the party. (come)
5. Im getting hungry. Im looking forward ..dinner. (have)
6. I dont feel.today. (study)
7. Forgive me .you but I must ask you a question. (interrupt)
8. The arrested man was suspected..into a house. (break)
9. Have you ever thought .married? (get)

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 10. Ive always dream .on a small island in the Pacific. (live)
11. The cold water didnt stop hera swim? (have)
12. Have you ever been accused.a crime? (commit)
13. She apologised..so rude to me. (be)
14. We have decided..a new car. (buy)
II. Change direct speech into reported speech, beginning each sentence as shown:

Example:

It was nice of you to help me. Thanks very much. (George said to me)

George thanked me for helping him.

1. Ill drive you to the station. I insist. (Tom said to Ann)

Tom insisted .....................................................................................................

2. I hear you passed your examinations. Congratulations! (Jim said to you)

Jim congratulated .............................................................................................

3. It was nice of you to visit me. Thank you. (Mrs Deen said to Sue)
Mrs Dent thanked .............................................................................................

4. Dont stay at the hotel near the airport. (I said to Jack)

I waned .............................................................................................................

5. Im sorry I didnt phone you earlier. (Margaret said to you)

Margaret apologisednot ...........................................................

6. You didnt pay attention to what I said. (The teacher said to the boy)
The teacher accused .........................................................................................

Put the verbs in brackets into the correct form (gerund or infinitive)
1 I am looking forward to (see) you.
2 He dreads (have) to retire.
3 I arranged (meet) them here.
4 He urged us (work) faster.
5 I wish (see) the manager.
6 It's no use (wait).
7 He warned her (not touch) the wire.
8 Don't forget (lock) the door before (go) to bed.
9 My mother told me (not speak) to anyone about it.
10 I can't understand her (behave) like that.
11 He tried (explain) but she refused (listen).
12 At dinner she annoyed me by (smoke) between the courses.
13 You are expected (know) the safety regulations of the college.
14 He decided (disguise) himself by (dress) as a woman.
15 lam prepared (wait) here all night if necessary.
16 Would you mind (show) me how (work) the lift?
17 After (walk) for three hours we stopped to let the others (catch with us.
18 I am beginning (understand) what you mean.
19 He was fined for (exceed) the speed limit.
20 The boys like (play) games but hate (do) lessons.
21 I regret (inform) you that your application has been refused.
22 I couldn't help (overhear) what you said.
23 Mrs Jones: I don't allow (smoke) in my drawing-room.
Mrs Smith: I don't allow my family (smoke) at all.
24 He surprised us all by (go) away without (say) 'Good-bye'.
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25 Please go on (write); I don't mind (wait).
26 He wore dark glasses (avoid) (be) recognized.
27 Before (give) evidence you must swear (speak) the truth.
28 I tried (persuade) him (agree) with your proposal.
29 Your windows need (clean); would you like me (do) them for you?
30 Would you mind (shut) the window? I hate (sit) in a draught.
31 I can't help (sneeze); I caught a cold yesterday from (sit) in a draught.
32 Do stop (talk): I am trying (finish) a letter.
33 His doctor advised him (give up) (jog).
34 My watch keeps (stop). ~ That's because you keep (forget) (wind) it.
35 Without (realize) it. he hindered us instead of (help) us.
36 People used (make) fire by (rub) two sticks together.

Put the verbs in brackets into the correct form (gerund or infinitive).
1. He hates (answer) the phone, and very often just lets it (ring).
2. If you go on (let) your dog (chase) cars he'll end by (be) run over.
3. I prefer (drive) to (be driven).
4. I advise you (start) (look) for a flat at once.
5. Would you mind (lend) me 5? I forgot (cash) a cheque.
6. (Lie) on this beach is much more pleasant than (sit) in the office.
7. She likes her children (go) to the dentist every six months.
8. By (neglect) (take) ordinary precautions he endangered the life of his crew.
9. An instructor is coming (show) us how (use) the aqualung.
10. I have no intention of (go) to that film; I couldn't bear (see) my favourite actress in
such a dreadful part.
11. I suggest (telephone) the hospitals before (ask) the police (look) for him.
12. After (hear) the conditions I decided (not enter) for the competition.
13. Some people seem (have) a passion for (write) to the newspapers.
14. He expects me (answer) by return but I have no intention of (reply) at all.
15. I tried (explain) to him but he refused (listen) and went on (grumble).
16. By (offer) enormous wages he is persuading men (leave) their present jobs and (work) for him.
17. He postponed (make) a decision till it was too late (do) anything.
18. Imagine (have) (get up) at five a.m. every day!
19. Try (forget) it: it isn't worth (worry) about.
20. There is no point in (remain) in a dangerous place if you can't do anything (help) the people who have
(stay) there.
21. The horse won't be well enough (run) in tomorrow's race. He doesn't seem (have recovered) from his
long journey.
22. At first I enjoyed (listen) to him but after a while I got tired of (hear) the same story again and again.
23. It is usually easier (learn) a subject by (read) books than by (listen) to lectures.
24. It wouldn't be safe (start) down now; we'll have (wait) till the mist clears.
25. After (discuss) the matter for an hour the committee adjourned without (have reached) any decision.
26. It's not much use (have) a bicycle if you don't know how (ride) it.
27. He didn't dare (leave) the house because he was afraid of (meet) someone who might (recognize) him.
28. I distinctly remember (pay) him. I gave him 2.
29. Did you remember (give) him the key of the safe? ~ No, I didn't. I'll go and do it now.
30. Please forgive me for (interrupt) you but would you mind (repeat) that last sentence?
31. I know my hair wants (cut) but I never have time (go) to the hairdresser's.
32. He made a lot of money by (buy) tickets in advance and (sell) them for twice the price on the day of
the match.
33. She rushed out of the room without (give) me a chance (explain).
34. He keeps (ask) me the time and I keep (tell) him (buy) himself a watch.
35. He has a theory that it is possible (tell) the time in daylight by (look) into a cat's eyes.
36. I'd hate (be) beside a volcano when it started (erupt).

NOTA BENE

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After like it is sometimes possible to use either gerund or infinitive, but there tends to be a slight
difference in implication.
* like + gerund usually means 'enjoy'; it also usually implies that the action is/was
performed: I like skating = I enjoy skating (and do skate).
* like + infinitive has more the meaning of 'approve of, like the idea or habit'. In the affirmative it gives
no indication as to whether the action is performed or not, and in the
negative implies that it is not performed.

I didn't like saying it usually means I said it, unwillingly', but

I didn't like to say it usually means I didn't say it' (because it didn't seem right or sensible). The
distinction, however, is not rigid. The above notes are, therefore, only guides which may safely be
followed.

Put the verbs in brackets into gerund or infinitive.

1. I used (ride) a lot but I haven't had a chance (do) any since (come) here. ~ I ride sometimes. Would you
like (come) with me next time?
2. Most people prefer (spend) money to (earn) it.
3. I resented (be) unjustly accused and asked him (apologize).
4. It isn't good for children (eat) too many sweets.
5. I didn't feel like (work) so I suggested (spend) the day in the garden.
6. Why do you keep (look) back? Are you afraid of (be) followed?
7. Do you remember (post) the letter? ~ Yes, I do; I posted it in the letter-box near my gate.
8. Did you remember (lock) the door? ~ No, I didn't. I'd better (go) back and (do) it now.
9. You still have a lot (learn) if you'll forgive my (say) so.
10. It's no use (try) (interrupt) him. You'll have (wait) till he stops (talk).
11. I'm for (do) nothing till the police arrive. They don't like you (move) anything when a crime has been
committed.
12. He didn't like (leave) the children alone in the house but he had no alternative as he had (go) out to
work.
13. Why didn't you drink it?- I didn't like (drink) it as I didn't know what it was.
14. I'm very sorry for (be) late. It was good of you (wait) for me.
15. I keep (try) (make) mayonnaise but I never succeed. ~ Try (add) the yolk of a hard-boiled egg.
16. Do you feel like (go) to a film or would you rather (stay) at home?
17. She told me (look) through her correspondence and (take) out any letters that you had written her. I
didn't like (look) through someone else's letters but I had (do) as she said.
18. He took to (get up) early and (walk) noisily about the house.
19. I liked (listen) to folk music much better than (listen) to pop.
20. The car began (make) an extraordinary noise so I stopped (see) what it was.
21. You'll never regret (do) a kind action.
22. He decided (put) broken glass on top of his wall (prevent) boys (climb) over it.
23. He annoyed me very much by (take) the piece of cake that I was keeping (eat) after my supper.
24. He kept (ring) up and (ask) for an explanation and she didn't know what (do) about him.
25. We got tired of (wait) for the weather (clear) and finally decided (set) out in the rain.
26. He made me (repeat) his instructions (make) sure that I understood what I was (do)
27. I suggest (leave) the car here and (send) a breakdown van (tow) it to the garage.
28. She apologized for (borrow) my sewing-machine without (ask) permission and promised never (do) it
again.
29. I didn't mean (offend) anyone but somehow I succeeded in (annoy) them all.
30. She claimed (be able) (tell) the future by (gaze) into her crystal ball.
31. He never thinks of (get) out of your way; he expects you (walk) round him.
32. You don't need (ask) his permission every time you want (leave) the room.
33. The police accused him of (set) fire to the building but he denied (have been) in the area on the night
of the fire.
34. I left my door open. Why didn't you walk in? ~ I didn't like (go) in when you weren't there.
35. It's much better (go) to a hairdresser than (try) (save) time by (cut) your own hair.
36. I'd rather (earn) my living by (scrub) floors than (make) money by (blackmail) people.

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 INFINITIVE, GERUND, PRESENT PARTICIPLE

Put the verbs in brackets into a correct form. When more than one form is possible it will be noted in
the key.

1. When the painter felt the ladder (begin) (slip) he grabbed the glitter (save) himself from (fall).
2. The snow kept (fall) and the workmen grew tired of (try) (keep) the roads clear.
3. He offered (lend) me the money. I didn't like (take) it but I had no alternative.
4. What was in the letter? ~ I don't know. I didn't like (open) it as it wasn't addressed to me.
5. Do you remember (read) about it? ~ No, at that time I was too young (read) newspapers.
6. Did you remember (book) seats for the theatre tomorrow? ~ Yes, I have the tickets here. Would you
like (keep) them? I am inclined (lose) theatre tickets.
7. Try (avoid) (be) late. He hates (be) kept (wait).
8. I didn't know how (get) to your house so I stopped (ask) the way.
9. I wish my refrigerator would stop (make) that horrible noise. You can't hear anyone (speak).
10. This book tells you how (win) at games without actually (cheat).
11. The gunman began (fire). He felt a bullet (graze) his cheek.
12. He heard the clock (strike) six and knew that it was time for him (get) up.
13. I can hear the bell (ring) but nobody seems (be coming) (open) the door.
14. Did you advise him (go) to the police? ~ No, I didn't like (give) any advice on such a difficult matter.
15. He wanted (put) my chameleon on a tartan rug and (watch) it (change) colour.

MISRELATED PARTICIPLES

A participle is considered to belong to the noun or pronoun that immediately precedes it (which usually,
but not necessarily, is the subject of the main verb).
The boy, climbing the tree to get birds' eggs, had a bad fall.
If there is no noun/pronoun in this position the participle is considered to belong to the subject of the
following main verb:
- Climbing the tree to get birds' eggs, the boy had a bad fall.
Sometimes this principle is disregarded and confusion results:
- Climbing down the tree, one of the eggs broke.
This word order makes it appear that the egg was climbing, which is nonsense.
A participle linked in this way to the wrong noun/pronoun is said to be 'misrelated'. The sentence should
be rewritten:
- Climbing down the tree he broke one of the eggs or
- As he was climbing down the tree one of the eggs broke.

PRACTICE

Correct the sentences. Sometimes only a change of order is required.

1. When leaving a car in this car park the brakes must be left off.
2. Wading across the river, the current swept me off my feet.

3. When filling a tank with petrol naked lights should be extinguished.

4. Running into the room, a rug caught her foot and she fell.
5. Reading the letter a second time, the meaning becomes clearer.
6. When carrying a gun it should never be pointed at anyone.
7. When planting these flowers care must be taken not to damage the roots.
8. Riding in his first race, his horse fell at the last jump.
9. When paying by cheque, a bank card should be shown.
10. Knowing me to be the fool of the family, the news that I had won a scholarship astonished him.
11. Believing that his last hour had come, his hands began to tremble.
12. Passing under a ladder, a pot of paint fell on my head.
13. Reading in bed, my hands often get very cold.

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14. Leaving the cinema, it seemed to him that the film had been exceptionally bad.
15. Barking furiously, I led the dog out of the room.
16. Having paid my taxes, the amount left in the bank is hardly worth mentioning.
17. Writing my name in the hotel register, a familiar voice attracted my attention.
18. Tied to a post, the sea was tossing the boat up and down.
19. Misunderstanding the question, the wrong answer was sent in.
20. Shining in the sky, we saw the first star.
21. When driving carelessly it is easy to have an accident.
22. Pinned to the door by a knife, the man saw a notice.
23. Written in large letters they read the words 'No Entry'.
24. While cleaning his gun it went off unexpectedly.
25. Wondering where to go. an advertisement caught my eye.
26. Rushing out of (he house, a lorry knocked me over.
27. Sitting by the fire, it all comes back to me.
28. Flailing from such a height, we thought he would never survive.
29. When changing a fuse the electricity should first be switched off.
30. Towed behind the car, I saw a trailer with a boat on it.
31. While sitting at the foot of a cliff a stone fell on him.
32. Driving to work, the traffic jams infuriated him.
33. Dropped by parachute, the country seemed entirely unfamiliar.
34. Sitting in the dentist's chair, an idea suddenly occurred to me.
35. Weakened by his last illness, I felt sure that another winter in this country would kill him.
36. Getting out of bed, a scorpion bit him.

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