INFINITIVES

Infinitive = to + base form. Example = to paint

Use an infinitive after the following verbs:
agree, ask, be sure, choose, decide, expect, hope, learn, need, plan, promise, forget, offer,
pretend*, remember, seem, try, want, wish, would like.
*pretend = to behave as if something is true when you know that it is not, especially in order
to deceive people or as a game. Translation into Spanish = fingir. Example: She's not really
hurt - she's only pretending. Don’t confuse it with ‘pretender’ in Spanish. They’re not the
same.
Examples of infinitives:
I want to buy new shoes.
I need to talk to you.
NOTE: If you want to make an infinitive negative, add NOT before the infinitive.
Example: At the end, I decided not to travel.
EXERCISE 1
Complete the sentences with the correct form of the following verbs.
bring be (x2) buy catch drive find get married turn off
go (x3) help pay see (x2) not participate make

1. We've decided ______________ to France for our vacation.

2. Don't forget _______________ all the lights.
3. We hope ________________ you again soon.
4. I'm learning ________________. My driving test's next month.
5. I decided ____________ to the party because I wasn’t feeling well.
6. I need _________________ to the supermarket. We don't have any milk.
7. He offered ______________ me with my homework.
8. They're planning ________________ soon.
9. He pretended _________________ sick, but he wasn't really.
10. He promised ______________ me back when he gets a job.
11. Remember _______________ your dictionaries to class tomorrow.
12. I'm trying _______________ a job, but it's very hard.
13. I want _______________ the six o'clock train.
14. I'd like ________________ a new car next month.
15. He didn't expect _____________ me.
16. I chose _________________ in the competition.
17. The students seemed _____________ tired.
18. I wish _____________ a complaint.
GERUNDS
Gerund: -ing form of a verb.
Use a gerund after the following verbs:
avoid, discuss, discuss, dislike, don’t mind, enjoy, feel like, practice, quit, suggest,
recommend, stop, spend (time)*, go on (=continue).
Examples:
I enjoy playing football.
I dislike cooking.
*spend (time). Example: I spent two hours playing video games.
NOTE: If you want to make a gerund negative, add NOT before the gerund.
Example: I suggest not going to that restaurant. It’s very expensive.
I enjoy not doing anything on Sundays.
EXERCISE 2:
Complete the sentences with the correct form of the following verbs.
read work do clean cook talk make not visit go smoke eat

1. I enjoy ____________ in bed.

2. Have you finished _____________ your room?
3. I don't mind ______________ the ironing. It's relaxing.
4. She spends hours ____________ on the phone.
5. Please stop ______________ that noise. I can't think.
6. I don't feel like _____________ today. Let's go out for lunch.
7. Avoid __________ fatty foods. They’re bad for your health.
8. It’s a beautiful day. I suggest ______________ sightseeing.
9. I recommend _____________ that place. It’s dangerous.
10. I want to go on _______________ until I'm 60. go on (=continue)
11. I quit _____________ last year. The doctor told me I had to do it.

GERUNDS OR INFINITIVES
Use a gerund or infinitive after the following verbs:
begin, can’t stand, continue, hate, like, love, prefer, start.
Examples:
I like playing board games.
I like to play board games.
EXERCISE 3
Complete the sentences with the correct form of the following verbs.
learn have rain talk be go swim stay line up = hacer fila

1. I hate _____________________ late when I'm meeting someone.

2. I like ___________ breakfast in a cafe.
3. I asked her to keep quiet, but she continued _________________.
4. I love _____________________. It’s so relaxing.
5. I prefer _________________ out tonight. I feel tired. I prefer ____________ home.
6. It was very cloudy and it started ________________________.
7. Jane has just begun _____________ to drive.
8. I can’t stand ____________. It’s so boring.

EXERCISE 4
Complete each statement or question with the correct words.
1. Helena would like (going / to go) to the movies tonight.
2. Our classmates don’t mind (studying / to study) for a test once a week.
3. No one agrees (being / to be) here at 7:00. That’s just too early.
4. You seem (being / to be) ready to leave.
5. Most people don’t choose (arriving / to arrive) late; they just get stuck in traffic or have
some other problem.
6. I don’t feel like (going / to go) to a restaurant tonight. Let’s stay home.
7. If you practice (saying / to say) no, it gets easier.
8. Doctors always suggest (quitting / to quit) smoking.
9. Do you enjoy (sitting / to sit) on the beach in the sun?
10. Do most people avoid (talking / to talk) about their problems?

EXERCISE 5
Correct the errors in the following statements.
1. Be sure being on time for work.
2. We don’t need buying a new car.
3. Our children hope going to Ocean World on our next vacation.
4. I love learning speaking new languages.
GERUNDS AFTER PREPOSITIONS
We always use gerunds after prepositions in English.
Examples:
I’m tired of working.
I’m sad about losing my job.
I’m bored with not doing anything.
Common expressions followed by gerunds
Adjective + Preposition
angry about
excited about
depressed about
happy/sad about
crazy about
afraid of
sick/tired of
bored with
good/bad at
terrible at
responsible for
interested in
Verb + preposition
complain about
talk about
worry about
think about
apologize for
believe in
insist on
dream about/of
agree with
object to (= to feel or express opposition to or dislike of something)
be used to (= be accustomed to)
get used to (= get accustomed to)
look forward to (=to feel happy or excited about something that is going to happen)
With How about or What about
How about going to a movie?
What about going out for lunch?

EXERCISE 6
Complete the sentences with the correct preposition. Try to do it without looking at the
list to see how much you can remember.
1. I don’t object ____________ working late.
2. He always complains ____________ not having any friends.
3. Marty is happy ___________ getting a good grade on his test.
4. Josie’s husband is sick __________ driving to work in the terrible traffic.
5. You should always apologize ____________ being late.
6. When my husband and I think __________ going on vacation, we feel so happy.
7. I’m not going to worry so much____________ making mistakes when I speak.
8. Some people get depressed _________ being overweight, but if you’re sick and tired
________ dieting, just get more exercise.
9. We believe ____________ telling the truth, even when it’s difficult.
10. I’m not going to get too excited ____________ getting my new car tomorrow. It might
not be ready until next week.
11. Lots of people are afraid __________ flying, but I’m not.
12. Pete gets pretty angry _____________ having to work on the weekends.
13. He’s not interested ______ getting married and having children.
14. When I moved to England I had to get used ________ driving on the left. It was difficult
at the beginning, but now I’m used __________ doing it.
15. I’m looking forward __________ seeing her again tomorrow.
16. Laura dreams ______ living on a small island.
17. I don't agree _______ hunting.
18. Maria insisted ________ going out.
19. I’m responsible ________ taking care of my sister’s baby this afternoon.
20. I’m bad _____ dancing and I’m terrible ____ singing. I’m not good _____ music at all.
at all = para nada/ en lo absoluto.