Gerunds (ing) or infinitives
Gerunds (ING)
Gerunds are best for use in sentences about actions that are real or complete, or that have
been completed.
• I stopped worrying about the future.
In this example, the worrying was real and it happened until I stopped.
• We really enjoy climbing mountains.
In this example, the climbing is real and it’s something we like doing.
Infinitives
Infinitives are best for use in sentences about actions that are unreal or abstract, or that
will occur in the future.
• I’d like you to think about something.
In this example, I’m asking you to think about something, but the thinking hasn’t
happened yet.
• Can we take a walk without you stopping to smoke?
In this example, we’re talking about taking a walk and the smoking hasn’t happened yet.
Exercise 1
Apply, answer, be, be, listen, Make, see,
1. He tried to avoid ... my question. try, use, wash, Work, write
2. Could you please stop …. so much noise?
1. answering
3. I enjoy … to music.
2. making
4. I considered … for the job but in the end I decided against it.
3. listening
5. Have you finished … your hair yet?
4. applying
6. If you walk into the road without looking, you risk … knocked down.
5. washing
7. Jim is 65 but he isn’t going to retire yet. He wants to carry on …
6. being
8. I don’t mind you … the phone as long as you pay for all of your calls.
7. working
9. Hello! Fancy … you here! What a surprise!
8. using
10. I’ve put off … the letter so many times. I really must do it today.
9. seeing
11.What a stupid thing to do! Can you imagine anybody … so stupid?
10. Writing
12. Sarah gave up … to find a job in this country and decided to go abroad.
11. Being
12. trying
Gerunds (ING)
Gerunds are best for use in sentences about actions that are real or complete, or that have
been completed.
• I stopped worrying about the future.
In this example, the worrying was real and it happened until I stopped.
• We really enjoy climbing mountains.
In this example, the climbing is real and it’s something we like doing.
Infinitives
Infinitives are best for use in sentences about actions that are unreal or abstract, or that
will occur in the future.
• I’d like you to think about something.
In this example, I’m asking you to think about something, but the thinking hasn’t
happened yet.
• Can we take a walk without you stopping to smoke?
In this example, we’re talking about taking a walk and the smoking hasn’t happened yet.
Exercise 1
Apply, answer, be, be, listen, Make, see,
1. He tried to avoid ... my question. try, use, wash, Work, write
2. Could you please stop …. so much noise?
1. answering
3. I enjoy … to music.
2. making
4. I considered … for the job but in the end I decided against it.
3. listening
5. Have you finished … your hair yet?
4. applying
6. If you walk into the road without looking, you risk … knocked down.
5. washing
7. Jim is 65 but he isn’t going to retire yet. He wants to carry on …
6. being
8. I don’t mind you … the phone as long as you pay for all of your calls.
7. working
9. Hello! Fancy … you here! What a surprise!
8. using
10. I’ve put off … the letter so many times. I really must do it today.
9. seeing
11.What a stupid thing to do! Can you imagine anybody … so stupid?
10. Writing
12. Sarah gave up … to find a job in this country and decided to go abroad.
11. Being
12. trying
