English often uses one verb after another verb. The infinitive of the verb often comes after the main verb. For example "
She wants to go home".
But sometimes the second verb must be a gerund, for example: "I often mention arriving on time. Punctuality is important."
The first verb is the important one. Only a few verbs require a gerund verb after it. These are the special verbs which MUST be followed by the gerund form if there is a second verb, in alphabetical order:
admit - appreciate - avoid - consider - defer - delay - deny - detest - dislike - endure - enjoy - escape - excuse - face - feel like - finish - forgive - give up - can't help - imagine - involve - leave off - mention - mind - miss - postpone - practise - put off - report - remember - resent - risk - can't stand - suggest - understand.
Here are some examples:
He easily forgives trespassing.
Nixon denied knowing about the break-in at Watergate.
I am considering going back to the USA.
She enjoys going to the hairdresser's.
Did he feel like telling the truth for a change?
I can't stand reading Tea Party articles. |
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Some verbs can be followed by the gerund form OR the infinitive form: continue, hate, intend, like, love, prefer, propose, start. This is our case in lessons 29 and 30!
Joe likes to sit around and talk.
Joe likes sitting around and talking
I love making ESL quizzes.
I love to make ESL quizzes.
Quiz:
Type the correct form of the verb.
Example 1:
They want (
go) to the restaurant.
You type the infinitive form (to go):
The want
to go to the restaurant.
Example 2:
He shot a child with an automatic rifle but he denied (
do) it.
You type the gerund form (doing):
He shot a child with an automatic rifle but he denied
doing it.
Now it's your turn. Type the infinitive form
or the gerund form of the verb in parentheses:
1 - They allowed the youngster
their car. (drive)
2 - Please don't forget
me up at 7 a.m. (wake)
3 - She doesn't remember
him. (see)
4 - He seriously considered
his wife. (leave)
5 - I decided
you only 5 questions. (give)