Pronouns before the Gerund or Infinitive

The list of verbs often requiring indirect object

subject + verb + pronoun (noun) + to + verb

allow	ask	beg	convince	expect
invite	order	permit	persuade	instruct
remind	urge	want	prepare	promise
cost	deny	forgive	refuse	cause

E.g. She tried to persuade the Customs official not to examine her luggage.

A customs officer may ask you to prepare a written list of the articles.

Before the gerund a noun or a pronoun must appear in the possessive form

E.g. I don’t mind his smoking here.

He insisted on our making a joint declaration.

Exercise 33. Make up sentences from the following verb combinations. Use a gerund or infinitive for the second verb. Include a (pro)noun object if necessary

E.g. depend on + comply with

More and more we must depend on importers and international carriers to comply with Customs requirements.

avoid + pay taxes and duties

Some importers attempt to avoid paying taxes and duties.

1. keep + search

2. direct + save

3. regret + forge

4. manage + interdict

5. remind + take

6. be used to + stay

7. persuade + not buy

8. mention + give

9. suggest + examine

10. can't imagine + travel

11. recommend + get the import license

12. miss + be

13. appreciate + comply with

14. fail + file a report

15. look forward to + clear the Customs

16. claim + complete customs formalities

17. not recall + pay duty

18. remember + select for a search

19. insist on + open the suitcase

20. advise + claim exemptions

Exercise 34. Complete the following sentences, using gerunds

E.g. Customs authorities insisted (we, register) certain items with Customs before we depart. -> Customs authorities insisted on our registering certain items with Customs before we depart.

1. I can't insist on (you, stay) a little longer, but you risk (miss) the last train home.

2. I don’t mind (they ,combine ) their personal exemptions.

3. He resented (I, be present) at the moment when he was selected for a search.

4. I don't understand (she, protest) a duty determination.

5. I can't under­stand (he, import) his automobile temporarily.

6. Please, excuse (we, come) a little late without (inform) you beforehand.

7. I don't like (she, conceal) some of her dutiable articles in my luggage/.

8. Did your Customs broker agree to (you, come) to see me?

9. I don’t like the idea of (you, ship) alcoholic beverages by mail within the US.

10. I don’t mind (you, talk) to my friend, but I always remember (he, complain) of (you, stay) too long.

11. Please forgive (I, ask) such a personal question.

12. You must please forgive (we, intrude) on you in this way.

13. Our colleagues objected to (we, leave) so soon.

14. I don’t remember (you, say) before that you wanted to come.

15. I do insist on (you, meet) a deadline.