Gerunds and Infinitives Tamar Mikeladze

The verb form with ing is called gerund The first form of the verb with to is called infinitive.

 Some verbs can be followed either with infinitives (to + verb) or with gerunds (-ing) When I entered the classroom I began to speak/speaking Like doing enjoy something like to do something is a good idea, (nt necessarily enjoying it)

 Prefer (+ ing) to (+ ing) I prefer going for a walk to sitting at home. Would (modal verb) + like, love, prefer, hate + to + infinitive Id like to go to Portugal this summer.

Some verbs are followed by the to +verb (infinitive with to)

Afford, ask, choose, happen, help, manage, offer, refuse, wait, want e.g. I cant afford to buy a new flat in Madrid. Finally I chose to take the TOEFL exam.

Some verbs can be followed by the infinitve with to, or a that clause.
That can be left out from everyday speech. Agree, decide, expect, hope, learn, pretend, promise, seem, wish e.g. We decided to go home. We decided (that) we would go home. I hope to see you later. I hope (that) Ill see you later.

 Learn to ( learn a skill) Learn that ( learn information) Wish + to + infinitive = want e.g. I wish to leave early today. Wish + that clause = would/could e.g. I wish (that) I could leave early.

 Remember /forget doing memories of the past (actions before remembering) Remember/forget to do actions someone is/was supposed to do. e.g. I remember telling you! (tell remember) Remember to bring some bread (remember bring)

 Mean doing ( or by that-clause) when one thing results in or involves another Mean to do an intention e.g. Keeping fit means taking exercise every day! ( involves) Jan meant to watch the programme, but she forgot. (intended)

 Stop doing end of the action Stop to do the reason for stopping e.g. He stopped writing his homework. We stopped to talk to the local people. Try doing do something to see what happens Try to do make an effort ( not necessarily successful) e.g. Try getting up early. Maria tried to call him several times.

 Feel, hear, listen to, see, watch + ing part of the action is seen or heard. Feel, hear, listen to, see, watch + infinitive without to the whole action is seen or heard. e.g. We watched Kate eating her lunch. We watched Kate eat her lunch. With that-clause the meanings change.

 Some verbs can be followed by ing form/a noun. Dislike, enjoy, fancy, cant help*, keep*, mind, practise, cant stand. I dislike going out in the rain. I really dislike my new boss. Everyone enjoys listening to soft music. I enjoyed the film.