ING form, Infinitive, Infinitive without TO

Max: Hello guys,

Have you ever had any problems with your computers or smartphones?

Virus? No internet connection? Can you add some more?

Who do you usually speak to when you’ve got problem with your computer, tablet or phone?

parent?       friend?        shop assistant?     or a teacher?

Tell the truth, I’m not very good at fixing things and often unable to do it on my own.

Max: Hi, Charlie. Are you busy?

Charlie: Yes, I’m trying to finish my homework but it’s taking ages. I’d love to be outside in this weather.

Max: Me too, but I’ve got a problem with my computer. I know that you’re good at fixing things.

Charlie: Well, I enjoy trying. What’s up?

Max: I’m making a poster for BMX competition. I prefer using my own photos but when I upload them from my phone to the computer, they’re upside down.

Charlie: That’s strange.

Max: It’s really annoying. I want to put the posters in town but now I’ve got eight photos …. upside down!

Charlie: I guess, the problem is your settings.

Max: Oh, so what can I do?

Charlie: I can’t explain now, but I don’t mind coming round later.

Max: OK …. but don’t forget to bring a snack. It could take a long time.

Charlie: Max! (с упрёком)

In the lesson today we’re going to revise what “gerund” and “infinitive” are. Then we’ll discuss different verbs and word combinations which can be followed by them.

Can you find the examples of verbs + ing or verbs + to-infinitive in the dialogue?

verb+ing: enjoy trying, prefer using, don’t mind coming.

verb+to-infinitive: trying to finish, love to be outside, want to put, don’t forget to bring.

Gerund and Infinitive are non-finite forms of the verb.

A gerund (often known as an –ing-form) is a noun formed from a verb by adding -ing.

Gerunds can be formed from most verbs (except modal verbs):

E.g. swim - swimming, catch - catching, see - seeing, do - doing, cycle - cycling, paint – painting.

Gerund has the following tense forms.

The Simple –ing form refers to the present or future.

The Perfect –ing form shows that the action of the –ing form happened before the action of the verb.

We can use the simple -ing form instead of the perfect –ing form with no difference in meaning.

He admitted to having stolen/stealing the car.

An infinitive is the basic form of the verb + "to": to break, to try, to run, to watch, to tell.

The Infinitive has the following tense forms:

The infinitive can be used without TO:

·                   after modal verbs (can, should, must, etc.).

You should apologize to your boss.

·                   after the verbs let/ make/ see/ hear/ feel + object

My dad lets me use his laptop.

·                   after had better (… лучше бы) and would rather (… бы, пожалуй), cannot but (не могу не …).

You had better see a doctor.

I can't but think about it.

He said he would rather stay at home.

The gerund is used in the following cases:

1. after certain verbs

Why don’t you practise playing that song again?

She tried running in the morning, but she didn't like it.

Do you mind me asking you one or two more questions?

2. after verbs that express likes/dislikes to express general preference: like, dislike, enjoy, love, prefer, hate.

He loves singing.

Bob hates waiting for somebody.

He enjoys dancing.

3. after prepositions (after, before, besides, instead of, in spite of, on, without, by)

He ran five kilometers without stopping.

Bill went to the office in spite of being ill.

Before going to bed she locked the door.

4. after verbs and adjectives followed by preposition:

accuse of

blame smb for

congratulate on

count on

depend on

insist on

object to

prevent from

result in

succeed in

thank for

He was accused of having broken the law.

He was congratulated on getting a diploma.

Busy in, fond of, proud of, sure of, surprised at, aware of.

Homemade pizza is amazing but I’m not good at making it.

My brother is crazy about watching old silent movies.

5. after phrasal verbs:

give up

go on

keep on

put off

She kept on shouting while I was working.

He gave up smoking two years ago.

6. after word combinations:

It's no use ...

It's (no) good ...

It’s (not) worth

There's no point (in) ...

I can't help...

I can't stand / bear.

what’s the use of

There’s no point in taking such a great risk.

I can’t stand making a choice.

Now let’s talk about the words and word combinations that can be followed by the INFINITIVE.

1. after certain group of verbs:

afford

agree

arrange

choose

demand

expect

forget

need

offer

plan

pretend

refuse

want

happen

hope

manage

Her parents often allow her to stay up late at night.

He’s hoping to pass exams.

My grandma is trying to learn how to upload pictures.

2. after TOO and ENOUGH:

He’s too old to drive.

I’ve got enough money to live on.

3. after adjectives which:

a) describe feelings / emotions (happy, glad, annoyed, angry, sorry, ashamed, shocked, amused);

b) express willingness / unwillingness (anxious, eager, willing, prepared, ready, interested);

c) refer to a person’s character (kind, clever, tolerate, grateful).

He is glad to be back home again.

She is afraid to go there alone.

We are ready to start.

4. after be + the first/second/next/last/best, etc.

He was the first to arrive.

There are some groups of verbs that take both the infinitive and gerund without a change in meaning:

·                   begin, continue, start, intend.

She started talking. / She started to talk.

·                   advise, allow, permit, recommend, encourage.

It’s not allowed to swim here. It’s not allowed swimming here.

·                   dislike, hate, prefer, neglect, cannot bare

Most people hate to hear about their faults. / Most people hate hearing about their faults.

Now it’s time to practise the rule.

Complete the text with the correct form of the given verbs.

I love filming videos of me and my friends. We all enjoy riding our BMX bikes, and some of the tricks we can do look great when you film them. I always try to choose interesting places for the videos. Next week we’re planning to take part in a BMX competition in our town. I hope to make a film there. I’ve asked all my friends to practise their tricks so they can do them really well. I’m looking forward to seeing the results.

My friends all tell me I’m quite good at making videos. I would love to be a famous film director one day!

Click here if you want to download some of my videos and watch them. I hope you enjoy them!