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Ex. VIII. Speak on the problems this country faces and how these problems might be solved. Grammar: Gerunds Versus Infinitives. Verbals Review

Test your grammar

Ex. I. Read a short story about g.B.Shaw (1856-1950), a famous dramatist and critic of Irish origin, who lived and worked in England all his life. Choose the correct form of the verb in brackets.

When George Bernard Shaw was still a young music critic, he was once invited to a party. When he came into the sitting-room, the daughter of the house was playing the piano. As soon as she saw who the guest was, she stopped (playing/to play) and said to him, “I’ve heard that you are very fond of (listening/to listen) to good music!”

“I am,” Shaw replied, “but never mind go on (playing/to play).”

Ex. II. Are the verbs “stop”, “go on”, “be fond of” followed by an infinitive or –ing form? Grammar Notes

The following guidelines may be helpful in deciding whether to choose a gerund or an infinitive.

1. Use an Infinitive after verbs that express possibility of activity or activities that haven’t happened. Verbs followed by infinitives often express stages in reaching a goal or carrying out a plan.

I want to see that film.

He hopes to go with me.

We need to borrow a car to get there.

She promised to take us.

2. Use a Gerund after verbs that are factual or suggest that an action has been completed.

I enjoy going to movies. (factual)

He admits talking to her. (He has already talked to her.)

He denies saying that she was foolish. (He denies that he said it.)

3. Use a Gerund after a verb+preposition.

I am looking forward to hearing her read her poetry next week.

She objects to appearing before large audience.

There are, of course, exceptions to the general rules.

To do that was stupid. (completed)

He just happened to be at home when I called. (completed)

The exam turned out to be quite difficult. (completed)

I plan on seeing her tomorrow. (potential activity)

An infinitive or a gerund can follow these verbs. The meanings are more or less the same:

  • feelings: like, live, prefer, can’t bear, can’t stand, hate;

  • actions: begin, start, continue;

  • permission and intention: allow, permit, intend.

I like going to plays.

I prefer sitting in the balcony.

I like to go to plays.

I prefer to sit in the balcony.

The verbs “remember”, “try” and “stop” can be followed by either the gerund or infinitive, but the meanings are different.

I remembered ordering tickets for the play. (I recall that I ordered them. I ordered them; then I remembered.)

I remembered to order tickets for the play. (I didn’t forget to order them. I remembered; then I ordered them.)

I stopped ordering tickets by mail. (I no longer order tickets that way.)

I stopped to order my tickets for Friday night. (I stopped what I was doing to order my tickets.)

I tried talking to the manager about better seats, but he wasn’t there. (I talked to the manager about giving me better seats.)

I tried to talk to the manager about better seats, but he wasn’t there. (I attempted to talk to the manager, but I didn’t see him.)

Ex. III. Read the following passage and indicate the correct form of the complement — the gerund or the infinitive.

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).