UNIT 17
-ing form or infinitive/ prefer, would rather, had better/ infinitives of purpose
* verb/ noun/ adjective phrase + -ing form
Some verb, noun and adjective phrases are usually followed by the –ing form.
I’ve finished writing my essay.
These include:
admit
delay
dislike
fancy
involve
miss
resist
appreciate deny
enjoy
feel like
keep (on)
postpone
risk
avoid
detest
escape
finish
mention
practice
suggest
Watch out: - Some of the verbs, nouns and adjectives in the list above can also be followed by
an object before the –ing form. (I can’t stand people cheating in exams)
- When we put a verb after a preposition, we almost always use an –ing form.
(I’m interested in hearing more about that course)
* verb/ noun/ adjective phase + full infinitive
Some verbs, noun and adjectives are usually followed by the full infinitive.
Your answer appears to be wrong
These include:
able
arrange
choose
would like
manage
prepare
seem fail
afford
ask
decide
happen
offer
pretend
tend
agree
attempt
encourage
help
plan
promise
want
appear
beg
expect
hope
pleased
refuse
wish
Watch out: - Some of the verbs, nouns and adjectives in the list above can also be followed by
an object before the full infinitive.
I didn’t want to take the exam.
My mum didn’t want me to take the exam.
* verb + bare infinitive
Some verbs can be followed by an object + the bare infinitive.
You never let me say the answer.
These include:
feel
hear
let
make
notice
see
watch
Watch out: - The verbs feel, hear, notice and watch can also be followed by the –ing form. We
often use the bare infinitive for a completed action (from start to finish). We often use the –ing
form for an action in progress at the time.
I heard Miss Jenkins tell Julie not to do that. (= I heard all of it)
I heard Miss Jenkins telling Julie not to do that. (= I heard part of it)
- In the passive, hear, make and see are followed by the full infinitive.
Active: The teacher made me stand in the corner.
Passive: I was made to stand in the corner.
* verb + full infinitive or –ing form with little or no change in meaning
Some verbs can be followed by the full infinitive or the –ing form with little or no change in
meaning.
We continue to do experiments in the lab all afternoon.
