Unit II

Verb + -ing

Here are some more verbs that are followed by -ing:

Stop delay fancy consider admit miss involve

finish postpone imagine avoid deny risk practise

For example

Suddenly everybody stopped talking. There was silence. I'll do the shopping when I've finished cleaning the flat.

We also use -ing after:

give up (= stop)

put off (= postpone)

carry on / go on (= continue)

keep or keep on (= do something continuously or repeatedly)

Paula has given up smoking.

Verb + to...

offer decide hope deserve attempt promise

agree plan aim afford manage threaten

refuse arrange learn forget fail

If these verbs are followed by another verb, the structure is usually verb + to... (infinitive):

• It was late, so we decided to take a taxi home.

Simon was in a difficult situation, so I agreed to lend him some money.

We also use to... after: seem appear tend pretend claim. For example:

• They seem to have plenty of money.

I like George but I think he tends to talk too much.

Verb + -ing or to...

When one verb follows another verb, the structure is usually verb + -ing or verb + to.... Compare:

verb + -ing They denied stealing the money. I enjoy going out. Often we use -ing for an action that happens before the first verb or at the same time: stealing <— denied

verb + to... They decided to steal the money. I want to go out. Often we use to... for an action that follows the first verb: decided —»to steal want —»to go

Remember regret go on begin start intend continue bother

These verbs can be followed by -ing or to... with little or no difference in meaning. So you can say:

• It has started raining, or It has started to rain.

• John intends buying a house, or John intends to buy...

• Don't bother locking the door, or Don't bother to lock... But normally we do not use -ing after -ing:

• It's starting to rain, (not 'it's starting raining')

Verbs as Complements

Choose the correct form of the verb in brackets in the following sentences.

1. The teacher decided (accepting/to accept) the paper.

2. They appreciate (to have/having) this information.

3. His father doesn't approve of his (going/to go) to Europe.

4. We found it very difficult (reaching/to reach) a decision.

5. Donna is interested in (to open/opening) a bar.

6. George has no intention of (to leave/leaving) the city now.

7. We are eager (to return/returning) to school in the fall.

8. You would be better off (to buy/buying) this car.

9. She refused (to accept/accepting) the gift.

10. Mary regrets (to be/being) the one to have to tell Him

11. George pretended (to be/being) sick yesterday.

12. Carlos hopes (to finish/finishing) his thesis this year.

13. They agreed (to leave/leaving) early.

14. Helen was anxious (to tell/telling) her family about her promotion.

15. We arc not ready (to stop/stopping) this research at this time.

16. Henry shouldn't risk (to drive/driving) so fast.

17. He demands (to know/knowing) what is going on.

18. She is looking forward to (return/returning) to her country.

19. There is no excuse for (to leave/leaving) the room in this condition.

20. Gerald returned to his home after (to leave /leaving) the game.