Gramm~~=..~.~.

~~~nitiVe -ing Form

1 TENSES OF THE INFINITIUE
··········1···········································

Present (to) cook (to) write (to) be cooked (to) be written

Present Con. (to) be cooking (to) be writing
Perfect (to) have cooked (to) have written (to) have been cooked (to) have been written
Perfect Con. (to) have been (to) have been
cooking writing

~iIMlllll1l!fljtj'tB·~"....il+iiimlll1llratjifi+~
• after certain verbs • with modals (can, could, may, might, shall, should,
advise, afford, agree, allow sb, appear, be must, will, would)
allowed, compel, decide, encourage, expect, hope, He can go if he wants to.
intend, invite, manage, pretend, proceed, promise, • with need, dare (as auxiliary verbs)
refuse, remind, seem, tell, tend, etc You needn't work today.
He advised me to take a rest. I daren't talk to him.

• after certain adjectives Notes

amazed, angry, delighted, difficult, disgusted, easy, a dare expressing courage or lack of courage can
first, glad, happy, last, likely, obliged, sad, sorry, be followed by bare or full infinitive
supposed, surprised, unable, etc I don't dare (to) tell her the truth.
He dared (to) attempt it again.
I was glad to hear he had been promoted to manager.
b dare expressing threats, warning, anger, etc is
• with impersonal construction + adjective followed by bare infinitive
It was nice of him to send you roses. Don't you dare lie to me again!
How dare you speak to me like that!
• with only and just (unsatisfactory result)
c dare expressing challenge is followed by full
He phoned only to say that he wouldn't be coming. infinitive
• in expressions such as: to tell you the truth, to cut a I dare you to climb up that tree.
long story short, to be honest/fair, etc
• with had better/would rather/would sooner
To tell you the truth, I haven't seen him since Monday. You'd better go to bed.
• after certain nouns (pleasure, nuisance, nightmare, • with make (= force), let (- allow), see, hear, smell,
etc) feel, watch, notice (in active voice)
It's a pleasure to see you. He let me watch TV.

• after question words (who, where, what, etc) Note

I don't know what to do. Notice, make, see, hear, tell, watch in passive voice
are followed by full infinitive.
• with too and enough
The baby was made to eat all his soup.
She's too old to drive a car. (negative)
He's old enough to drive a car. (positive) • after why (not) to make suggestions
Why not meet again some day?
(Why don't we meet... )

48
 3a Grammar: Infinitive -ing ,orm"

Notes
• too + adj/adverb + full infinitive (negative) He is too young to get married.
adj/adverb + enough + full infinitive (negative) He isn't old enough to get married.
enough + noun + full infinitive (positive) He's got enough money to get married.
so + adjective + as + full infinitive She was so gullible as to believe his story.
• When the subject of the verb is not the same as the subject of the
infinitive we indicate it by using object forms. I would like him/lohn to come .

. . . . +. . . . . ..
~ IMFIHmUE AtiO PRESEtiT PARTICIPLE WITH UERBS OF PERCEPTIOti AtiO OTHER PHRASES
"'
........ ..........................................

see + bare infinitive (complete action) I saw her lock the car and put the key in her bag.
hear
listen
watch + present participle I saw her walking down the street.
(incomplete action/action in progress)

go, come (when used to refer to physical activities) He went skiing last winter.
spend/waste time + present participle He spent an hour fixing the tap.
be busy He was busy cleaning the car.

(COHUERSRTIOttRL GRRMMRR )

1 Choose the correct item.

o III haven't heard from Hugo recently. Is he around?" 5 No matter what Jo said she couldn't make him
IIYes, but he's thinking of going ........ in the French ........ her point.
Alps soon." A to see C to be seen
A to trek C to be trekking B see D have seen
® trekking D trek 6 "So, whose fault was it? Jane's or Brian's?"
1 She didn't know who ........ to for help. " ........ fair, they were both partly to blame."
A turning C having turned A Being C To be
B to have turned D to turn B To have been D Having been
2 IIWhere's Anne?" 7 I can't believe Peter was ........ naive as to trust her.
IIShe's busy ........ the washing up." A so C as
A doi ng C have done B too D enough
B be doing D to do 8 Sarah is honest and hard-working but she tends
3 liThe Government appear to have made up their ........ a little stubborn at times.
minds at last." A be C being
Hit's about time! They've spent months ........ this B to be D to have been
issue." 9 "She was great, wasn't she?"
A debating C having debated "Absolutely. I can't recall the last time I heard her
B to debate D have been debating ........ such a an inspiring speech."
4 HI don't think he will admit to his fault." A deliver C to be delivering
III agree. It takes courage ........ the truth." B to deliver D has been delivering
A to reveal C revealing
B reveal D to be revealing
49
 3a;,.~rammar: Infinitive -ing Form

. ·······TTENSES OF THE -ltiG FORM

··········1···········································

Active Voice Passive Voice

Present cutting being cut
Perfect having cut havi ng been cut

The -ing form is used after

prepositions
detest, dislike, enioy, fancy, hate, like, loathe, love, prefer, resent
(hate, like, love, prefer when used in the conditional are followed by full infinitive)
begin, cease, commence, finish, start, stop
(these verbs, except stop and finish, can also be followed by an infinitive with no difference in meaning)
+ -ing form
it's no use/good, it's (not) worth, there's no point (in), feel like, can't stand, can't help, be/get used to,
be/get accustomed to, have difficulty (in), in favour of
admit, anticipate, appreciate, avoid, consider, defer, delay, deny, endure, entail, escape (= avoid),
envisage, evade, forgive, imagine, incur, involve, keep (= continue), look forward to, mention, mind,
miss, pardon, postpone, practise, prevent, recall, recollect, report, risk, save, shirk, suggest,
understand, etc
Note
When the subject of the verb is different from the subject of the -ing form we indicate it by using object
forms or possessives (more formal).
I hate him/his/Jerry's interrupting me.

·········T·U·E·RBS TAKltfG ItfFltfmUE OR -ltfG FORM WITHOUT A CHAtfGE Itf I1EAtfItfG

··········1···········································

• begin, start, continue, cease, commence, omit

He continued listening to the radio.
He continued to listen to the radio.
Note
The -ing form is not used after the continuous form of these verbs.

• advise, allow, permit, recommend, intend followed by an object take a full infinitive whereas they take an -ing
form when not followed by an object (intend can also take a gerund whether the object is mentioned or not)
He allowed us to eat in the classroom.
He allowed eating in the classroom.
He recommended us to take plenty of exercise.
He recommended (our) taking plenty of exercise.

• sth needs/requires/wants can be followed by an -ing form or by a passive infinitive

The car needs servicing/to be serviced.

50
 3a Grammar: Infinitive -ing ,orl1\

2 Put the verbs in brackets into -ing form or the correct form of infinitive.

o The police allowed him to leave (leave) after he had 4 I don't mind .......................... (help) you with your
made a statement. homework.
She advised us ........................ (take) the short cut 5 This room needs ......................... (tidy) before we
through the woods to save time. can use it.
2 The doctor recommended ........................ (follow) 6 He omitted ............................... (tell) us about the
a diet of fre5h fruit and vegetables. meeting.
3 There's no use ................................... (postpone) 7 Jane started .................................... (have) bad
your visit; you'll have to go sooner or later. dreams after being in the car accident.

· .·.·.I. ·UERBS TAKlttG IttFlttmUE OR -lttO FOR" WITH A CHAttOE Itt "EAttlttO
..........1' ......................................... .

• forget + to-infinitive = not remember to do sth when you • remember + to-infinitive = not forget to do sth when
intend to you intend to.
I forgot to visit the museum. Remember to locle the door before you leave the house.
forget + -ing form = not to recall remember + -ing form = recall
I'll never forget visiting that museum. She remembers locking the door before leaving the house.
• go on + to-infinitive = stop one action and start another • try + to-infinitive = attempt
They first discussed the items on the agenda and then We tried to persuade him not to go, but he wouldn't
went on to discuss the budget. listen.
go on + -ing form = continue try + -ing form = do as an experiment
He went on playing the piano in spite of the neighbour's They tried advertising their business in the local
complaints. newspaper:
• like + to-infinitive = find sth good to do • stop + to-infinitive = stop sth temporarily, in order to do
flike to go to the market very early in the morning so sth else
that I can select the best vegetables. She stopped to talle to her neighbour as she was taking
like + -ing form = enjoy her dog for a walk.
Ililee swimming; it's my favourite pastime. stop + -ing form = finish, stop permanently
would like to + infinitive = want to They stopped tallcing when the teacher came into the class.
I would lilee to meet your friend; he sounds interesting.
• mean + to-infinitive = intend to • (be) understood + to-infinitive = give the impression
She means to discuss the matter with the headmaster. He is understood to agree that negotiations are necessary.
mean + -ing form = involve, entail understand + -ing form = to understand sb else's
It means changing the original plans. feelings or actions
I can understand his feeling angry about their decision.
• propose + to-infinitive = intend • want + to-infinitive = wish
I propose to build three more classrooms. I want to extend my visa.
propose + -ing form = suggest want + -ing form = need sth done
Ipropose trying that new Chinese restaurant. The battery's flat; it wants recharging.

• regret + to-infinitive = be sorry to have to do sth • dread + to-infinitive = be afraid (specific)

I regret to inform you that your application has been I dread to think how much he may suffer.
re;ected. dread + -ing form = to fear greatly (general)
regret + -ing form = feel sorry about a past action I dread going to the doctor.
Iregret buying this car because it is always breaking down.

51
 .3a lkGrammar: Infinitive -ing Form

• hate + to-infinitive = hate what one is about to do • be ashamed to + infinitive (the infinitive refers to a
I hate to interrupt you but I need some help. subsequent action)
hate + -ing form = feel sorry for what one is doing She was ashamed to admit that she hod lied.
I hate causing you inconvenience. be ashamed of + -ing form (the gerund refers to a
present or previous action)
She's ashamed of lying, and swears she'll never do it
again.
• be sorry + to-infinitive = regret sth/feel regret • would prefer + to-infinitive (specific action)
I am sorry to hear of his illness. I would prefer to be left alone just now.
be sorry for + -ing form = apologise prefer + -ing form (general)
I am sorry for shouting at you. I prefer swimming to running.
prefer + to-infinitive (general)
He prefers to study at night.
• be afraid to + to-infinitive = the subject is too • can't/couldn't bear + infinitive (specific)
frightened to do sth I can't bear to tell him the bod news.
She was afraid to drive the car. can't/couldn't bear + -ing form (general)
be afraid of + -ing form = the subject fears that the I can't bear telling people bod news.
action expressed by the gerund may happen
She didn't wont to drive the cor; she was afraid of
causing an accident.

( CONUERSRTIONRL GRRMMRR )

3 Choose the correct item.

His colleagues secretly tried ........ his advancement 6 "Have you made your decision yet?"
in the company. "I'd prefer ........ right now, if you don't mind."
A blocking C block A not answer C not to answer
B to block 0 to be blocking B not answering o
to not answer
2 I propose we ........ the speeches until the end of the 7 "I thought you liked a challenge!"
event. "Not the kind that involves ........ off a bridge wi
A leaving Cleave a rubber band round my ankles!"
B to leave o be leaving A jumping C to jump
3 Would you rather ........ at home or regular hours B jump 0 to jumping
in an office? 8 "Has Paul been told yet?"
A to work C worked "Not yet. I dread his ........ out!"
B work o working A to find C finding
4 "Are you coming to the wedding?" B find 0 to be finding
"Yes but I would prefer not ........ to the reception 9 "/ refuse to write the report."
afterwards. " "How dare you ........ the boss's instructions!"
A going C having gone A to defy C to be defying
B to go 0 to have gone B deFyi ng 0 defy
5 "Everything I do fails; I'm a walking disaster." 10 "Is there something wrong?"
"I suggest you ........ complaining and count your "Yes, but I'm afraid ........ you because you'll f.
blessings." angry."
A stopping C to have stopped A of telling C to tell
B stop o to stop B telling o tell

52
.4 Put the verbs in brackets into the -ing form or the 6 Put the verbs in brackets into the -ing form or the
correct form of the infinitive. correct form of the infinitive.
The architect resented ............................ (modify)
the design at such a late date. It is difficult (0) to under5tand (understand) why millions
2 If you want to learn to ride, you must first try ......... . of cinema-goers queue for hours (1) .......................... .
.................... (maintain) control of the horse. (obtain) tickets to see the latest "blockbuster", only
3 She's certain to want to come to the party but I very (2) ............................ (discover) that the film is a bitter
much doubt she'll wish ....................................... . disappointment. (3) .................... (pay) scant regard to
(participate) in the dancing. reliable reviews, they appear (4) ..................... (prefer)
4 I suggest you ........................ (consult) a specialist (5) ............................ (place) their trust in extravagant
for a second opinion before having the operation. claims made by the film promoters. These are the
5 They began ........................................ (argue) at marketers whose sole purpose is (6) ......................... .
breakfast and are still quarrelling now. (boost) ticket sales, thereby (7) ...................... (line) the
6 I don't support ..................... (use) live animals for pockets of the film makers and (8) ............................ .
experiments under any circumstances. (ensure) a tidy profit, (9) ........................ (enable) them
7 Daniel intends .......................... (take) a gap year (10) ............................... (produce) yet another film of
between school and university and wants to travel equally poor quality. So, if you're anxious (11) ........... .
around Europe. ................ (know) whether you're likely (12) ............. .
8 It was strange that the file went missing, because he . ............. (get) value for money, and if the last film you
distinctly remembered ........................... (put) it in saw was a real let-down, try (13) ...................... (read)
the cabinet before he left. what the critics say, first.
9 I hate ......................... (say) this, but I think you've
overstepped the mark this time.
10 I vaguely recall .............................. (meet) him in 7 Put the verbs in brackets into the -ing form or the
1999 at a teaching seminar. correct form of the infinitive.
11 The flowers need ........................... (arrange) and
the cake needs to be baked. You know that dreadful feeling: (0) 5/eeping (sleep)
12 Concerning my eldest son, I wouldn't even venture a through the alarm clock and then (1) ......................... .
guess as to what he is planning .................... (do). (worry) that you'll be too late (2) ....................... (meet)
your friend for coffee or (3) ................. (get) to work on
time. Few people have reason (4) ............................. .
5 Put the verbs in brackets into the -ing form or the (stop) and wonder how many others might also be
correct form of the infinitive. (5) ............................... (hurry) to various destinations
at that moment (6) ............................. (know) they will
Like many people, I dislike (0) having (have) someone probably miss their appointments. Although you might
(1) ................................ (look) over my shoulder while not be a particularly punctual person, you may still be
(2) .......................... (read) my newspaper on the bus. tempted (7) ............................ (ask), why British social
I Rnd it difficult (3) ...................... (prevent) myself from lives are so often ruled by the clock. Perhaps we would
I4J ................ (say) something sarcastic to the onlooker all benefit from (8) ........................... (slow) down and
as surely, (5) ....................... (peruse) one's newspaper (9) ........................... (follow) the examples of southern
is a private affair. To my mind, (6) .................. (invade) Europeans. In Greece for example, punctuality frequently
a reader's space in this way is rather like (7) ............... . obeys the laws of "rubber time", (10) .......................... .
flnvite) oneself (8~ ............................... (join) a private (allow) for flexibility and the reassuring thought that
conversation. We seldom seem .(9) .................. .-......... . nobody worries too much if you arrive a little later than
(IoIerate) rudeness of this kind in ordinary circumstances. expected.
I consider my precious few minutes with a newspaper
exacrly that - mine!

53
 3a ,Grammar: Infinitive -ing Form
"•"4'~"'"""
"'~1.,

-- STRUCTURALCONUERSION •- -- ------ ------ ---- ----- --- --- ---- ----- ------ --- --- ---- -----··
Driving fast is dangerous. Doing my hair took {me} an hour.
It is dangerous to drive fast. I spent an hour doing/on my hair.
2 She is too young to get married. 9 Do you intend to go/going to her party, tomorrow?
She isn't old enough to get married. Will you be going to her party tomorrow?
3 He couldn't help noticing that she was upset. Are you thinking of going to her party tomorrow?
It didn't escape his attention that she was upset. 10 /f's out of the question to expect me to apologise.
4 The prospect of a short holiday fills me with pleasure. I have no intention of apologising.
/ look forward to (having) a short holiday. Fancy even suggesting that I apologise!
5 It's quite unnecessary to answer his letter. I don't mean/intend to apologise.
Answering his letter is quite unnecessary/pointless. 1 most certainly won't apologise.
There's no point {in) answering his letter.
11 Mary objects to lying.
It's no use answering his letter.
6 It was difficult for her to believe that she had won. Lying is something that Mary obiects to/hates/loathes.
She had difficulty (in} believing that she had won. 12 I'm not in the habit of waking up early.
She could hardly believe that she had won. I'm not used to waking up early.
She found if difficult to believe that she had won. 13 He made me open my suitcase.
7 Would you be so kind as to pass the salad? I was made to open my suitcase.
Do/Would you mind passing the salad? 14 I can't remember reading this novel.
Could you pass the salad, please? I have no recollection of reading this novel.
8 It took me an hour to do my hair. 15 It's a waste of time trying to make yourself understood.
____I took an hour to do my hair.___________________________ It's not worth trying to make yourself understood._____

8 Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using the word given.
Do not change the word given. You must use between three and eight words, including the word given.

I refuse to pay the bill. 6 Ian was not used to doing such strenuous training.
intention habit
I have ............................................................ . Ian was ......................................................... ..
............................................................ the bill. . ..................................................... strenuously.
2 He is too irresponsible to run the department. 7 You should always wear a seatbelt.
charge unwise
He is not ........................................................ . It is ................................................................ .
........... ......... .......... ....... .... ... of the department. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . a seatbelt.
3 Sheila is worried about the proposed changes at 8 I apologise but I completely forgot about our
work. appointment.
prospect confess
The ................................................................ . I must .................................................... .
............................................................. worry. ......................................................... my mind.
4 Would you please keep your mobile phone switched 9 There's a possibility that you may be able to get a
off during the flight. grant.
mind eligible
Would you ..................................................... . We are pleased
........................................ the plane is airborne. . .......................................................... a grant.
5 We waited on the bus for an hour before the engine 10 At least make an attempt at the exercise. It mighl
was fixed. not be as difficult as you think it is.
took try
They ............................................................... . If you ............................................................ ..
.. .. .. . .. . .. .. .. .. .. . . .. . . . .. . while we waited on the bus. . .................................... it easier than you think.
54
 3a Grammar: Infinitive -ing

11 Perhaps a high-fibre diet will do you good. 21 I bet you wouldn't swim that far out!
benefit dare
You ................................................................ . I don't ............................................................ .
.................................................. high-fibre diet. . ..................................................... that far out!
12 He continued his speech, even though they all 22 When he locked the door, the telephone rang.
appeared disinterested. just
on He ................................................................. .
He ................................................................. . '" .................................... the telephone ringing.
................... that they all appeared disinterested. 23 Your sending her flowers in hospital was a
13 Sonia's preference is for a nine-to-five job. thoughtful gesture.
rather kind
Sonia ............................................................. . It ................................................................... .
.............................................. from nine to five. ....... ........... ........ ..... ..... .................. in hospital!
14 I will probably have to get my car serviced soon. 24 I couldn't help noticing how friendly he's been
need towards you recently.
My car ........................................................... . not
.............................................................. soon. His .................................................................... .
15 It is believed that the two rival companies have .......................................................... my notice.
agreed to the merger. 25 I am delighted to make your acquaintance.
through pleasure
The two rival companies ................................... . It is ................................................................ .
..................... ... ......................... ..... the merger. . ............................................................... you.
16 Nadia said nothing because she was afraid of
offending them.
fear ( CONUERSATIONAL GRA""AR )
Nadia remained silent ..................................... .
........................................................... offence. 9 Choose the correct item .
17 It was very nice of you to let us know about the
change in venue. "How much time do I have to make my choice?"
appreciate "I suggest you ........ a quick decision."
We ................................................................ . A having made C made
........................................................... change. B to make D make
18 He didn't have a clue what it would be like to live 2 "I'm sure you miss the island, having lived there for
in the country. so long."
envisage "Yes, I often imagine ........ it again."
He ................................................................. . A seeing C having seen
................................ . ..... ......... ...... out of town. B to see D to be seeing
19 If you invest all your savings in this scheme you may 3 "So, what did the President have to say?"
lose them. "He mentioned pension reform and went on ........
risk that he would reduce unemployment figures."
You run .......................................................... . A adding C to be adding
........................ if you invest them in this scheme. B add D to add
20 I don't really want to go to the reception.
4 "Did you enjoy your picnic?"
feel
"Yes, we had a great time and on the way home we
I .................................................................... .
stopped ........ the sunset."
............................................... to the reception.
A to admire C to have admired
B admiring D admire

55
 ,3bq English in Use

10 Read the text below and think of the word which

best fits each space.
FOREVER ON THE PHONE
A hundred years ago, the principal means (0) of
communication for individuals and for businesses was
(1) ...................... letter and telegram, but nowadays
telephones are used constantly in private houses, offices
and factories. This is certainly the (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
widespread and convenient way for people to
communicate with one another.
With the telephone, business deals can be arranged
and completed rapidly. In (3) ......................., financial
centres and stock exchanges, (4) ...............................
constant use of the telephone system, can be assured
(5) ................... getting the very latest, up-to-the-minute
information about the (6) ................ changing currency
and share values. This type of information is essential
(7) ...................... economic stability worldwide.
The telephone network also provides a direct line
into the homes of friends and relatives. For old and
infirm people, and for those lonely people living on their
(8) ................................., the telephone is a friend. At
(9) ...................., families are often scattered, not only
throughout the country but also throughout the world.
(1 O) ................................ a few minutes' conversation
with a loved one, who may be thousands of miles away,
is a source of great comfort (11) .................... us.
Of course, very often the telephone can be a nuisance.
Some will say that it intrudes too (12) ...................... on
people's privacy by ringing at the (13) ........................
inconvenient times.
On the (14) ..........................., though, the changes
brought about by the introduction of the telephone have
been (15) ..................... great benefit to everyone. The
telephone has helped to bring people closer in a difficult
world and has made life, for many, much easier and
much more enjoyable.

( PHRASAL UERBS 1 )
11 Look at Appendix and fill in one of the
prepositions below, then give a synonym for
each phrasal verb.
• up • off • on • about • in • round
• out • over • through

O The rioting was brought about by a huge increase

in the price of bread.
56