to infinitive ing-form THE INFINITIVE The infinitive is the root form of the verb. There are two kinds of infinitive: ·The “to infinitive” (to say, to go, etc.) ·The “bare infinitive“ – without to – (say, go, etc.)
We use the to infinitive:
To express purpose
She went to the bank to get some money.
After certain verbs (advise, agree, appear, decide, expect, hope, manage, offer, promise, refuse, seem, want, afford, pretend, etc.)
He advised me to apply for the job.
THE INFINITIVE
After verbs such as: know, decide, ask, learn, remember, want, etc. When they are followed by question words (who, what, where, etc.) after them. “why” is not followed by an infinitive but by a subject + verb. I don’t know how to answer this question. I didn’t know why he was crying.
After the quantifiers “too” and “enough”
It’s too cold to go outside. Joe isn´t old enough to vote.
After be + adjective such as glad, happy, nice, sorry, etc.
It is nice to be back home.
After “would like/would love/would prefer”
I would like to learn a new language. THE INFINITIVE NOTE The verb “help” is followed by either the “to-infinitive” or the “bare infinitive” We use the bare infinitive: She helped me (to) fix the tap.
After modal verbs (can, must, etc.)
If two infinitives are joined by “and”, the “to” of the second infinitive can be You can go home now. omitted. He decided to go to university and study After the verbs “let” and “make” biology.
They made him pay for the damage.
We form the negative infinitive with “not” He decided not to accept the job. She may not come. THE -ING FORM
The “-ing form” is used:
As a noun
Swimming keeps you fit.
After prepositions:
He left without saying goodbye.
After the verbs love, like, enjoy, dislike, hate, and prefer to express general preference
She likes going for long walks.
THE -ING FORM
The “-ing form” is used:
After the verb “go” when we talk about activities.
They often go climbing at the weekends.
After certain verbs: consider, avoid, deny, look forward to, fancy, involve, mention, risk, spend, mind, regret. Admit, suggest, imagine, etc.)
Tony avoided answering my question.
After the verbs (start, begin, stop, finish)
He started writing his composition an hour ago.
VERBS TAKING THE “TO INFINITIVE” OR THE ”–ING FORM” WITHOUT A CHANGE IN MEANING.
Verbs such as: begin, start, continue.
They started talking. They started to talk.
NOTE: We never have two –ing forms together.
It’s beginning to get dark NOT-à It’s beginning getting dark.
Verbs such as: advise, allow, permit, recommend, encourage, take the ¨to infinitive¨ when they are followed by an object or when they are in the passive form.
They don’t allow us to park here. (object)
We aren´t allowed to park here. (passive) They don’t allow parking here. (no object)
Verbs such as: need, require, want + -ing form. This construction often shows that it is necessary to repair or improve something. ¨need¨ can also be followed by a passive infinitive.
The flat needs decorating.
The flat needs to be decorated. VERBS THAT TAKE THE ¨TO-INFINITIVE¨OR THE ÏNG-FORM¨ WITH A CHANGE IN MEANING. Forget + to inf = not remember I’m sorry, I forgot to call you. Forget + ing for = not recall I’ll never forget winning my first gold medal.
Remember + to inf = not forget Remember to call Jack tonight.
Remember + ing form=recall I don’t remember seeing you here before.
Go on + to inf = then He welcomed us and went on to offer us some drinks.
Go on + ing form = continue They went on talking for hours.
Mean + to inf = intend to She means to open her own shop.
Mean + in form = involve Being a pilot means travelling a lot.
Regret + to inf = be sorry to I regret to inform you that you have failed the exam. Regret + ing form = feel sorry about I regret making that mistake; I lost my job.
Try + to inf = attempt He tried to win the race.
Try + ing form = do sth as an experiment Try exercising, you may lose weight. VERBS THAT TAKE THE ¨TO-INFINITIVE¨OR THE “ING-FORM¨ WITH A CHANGE IN MEANING.
Stop + to inf= stop briefly to do sth else He stopped to drink some tea and then continue working. Stop + ing form= finish, give up He stopped eating junk food because it is unhealthy.
Be sorry + to inf= apologise for a present action I’m sorry to interrupt, but can I ask you a question? Be sorry + ing form= apologise for an earlier action I’m sorry for shouting at you.
Like + to inf= think that sth is good or right to do I like to exercise every day. Like +ing form= enjoy (general preference) She likes swimming.
Be afraid+ to inf = the subject is unwilling to do something
He is afraid to take the test in case he fails again.
Be afraid + ing form= the subject is afraid that what is described by the –ing form may happen)
She doesn’t want to ride the horse. She is afraid of falling and hurting herself.
