Come up with sentences with a gerund in English. This is the cryptic English word "gerund. Rules for using the gerund in active and passive voices

Gerund- this is an impersonal form of the verb, which expresses an additional action to the verb-predicate, has the properties and properties of the verb.

Gerund It has:

Active voice (Active voice)

Passive Voice

1. The Active Indefinite Gerung denotes an action that is simultaneous with the action of the verb-predicate, or follows it.

Example: I like drinking coffee- I like drinking coffee.

* In some cases

The Indefinite Gerund can indicate the action preceding the verb.

After verbs: thank, remember, forgive, excuse

Example: I remember meeting that girl before- I remember meeting that girl before.

- After the prepositions without, after, on (upon)

Example: On reading the book they went to the park- After they read the book, they went to the park.

- After the verbs require, need, be worth, want, deserve

Example: The bathroom needs cleaning- The bathroom needs to be cleaned.

This car is worth buying

2. The Active Perfect Gerund denotes an action that precedes the action expressed by the verb-predicate. Formed with having and 3 forms of the verb.

Example: I`m tired of having read this book- I'm tired of reading this book.

3. The Passive Gerund is formed with being and the 3rd form of the verb. Denotes an action experienced by an object or person. The Perfect Passive Gerund expresses the action that precedes the main action. The Indefinite Passive Gerund expresses the simultaneity of actions.

Example: I hate being betrayed- I hate being betrayed.

Consider the gerund formation table:

*Gerund is most often used after:

Verbs expressing start, end of action and duration (to go, to continue, to start, and so on)

Example: I start translating the article - I started translating the article.

- verbs, adjectives, nouns followed by a preposition

Example: I`m fond of listening to music - I love listening to music

- verbs expressing preference and dislike (to love, to hate, to like, and so on)

Example: I hate cleaning my room - I hate cleaning my room.

Now let's consider which member in a sentence a gerund can be:

1. Definition: I dislike the idea of ​​going to the park- I didn't like the idea of ​​going to the park.
2. Subject: Swimming is a healthy kind of sport
3. Circumstance: On reading this magazine I went to bed- After reading the magazine, I went to bed.
4. Addition: I like watching movies
5. Part of the compound verb predicate: I start reading this book
6. Part of a compound nominal predicate: My hobby is knitting - My hobby is knitting.

Gerund is an impersonal verb form formed by adding the ending -ing to the verb. For example, the gerund of the verb read is an reading. There is no analogue of the gerund in Russian.

Despite the fact that the gerund is a verb form, it has more features of a noun. In particular, in a sentence it can be subject, object, and predicative; gerund can be used after prepositions; it may be preceded by possessive pronouns.

Note that when there is a noun with the same meaning as the gerund, it is preferable to use the noun.

For example:
We are waiting for his arrival. (NOT We are waiting for his arriving.)
We expect it arrival.

Forms and functions of the gerund in English

In the examples below, pay attention to the forms of the gerund (present is the present tense form, perfect is the perfect form, passive is the passive form, negative is the negative form):

I like shooting.
I like fire. (Gerund form: present. )

He doesn't like being told what to do.
He doesn't like it when he they say, what to do. ( Gerund form: passive. )

She loves being looked at.
She likes it when watching. (Gerund form: passive. )

He was charged with having committed arson.
He was accused of committing arson. ( Gerund form: perfect. )

He complained of having been tortured by the police.
He filed a complaint that was tortured by the police. ( Gerund form: perfect passive. )

The best thing you can do for your health now is not drinking alcohol.
The best thing you can do for your health right now is not to drink alcohol. ( Gerund form: negative. )

To better understand the difference between the listed forms of the gerund, you need to have a good understanding of tenses and voice in English.

As mentioned above, in a sentence, a gerund can be a subject, an object, and a predicate:

flying makes me sick.
During the flight, I feel sick. ( )

Trespassing is prohibited.
Violation of property rights is prohibited. ( Gerund function: subject.)

We don't allow smoking in our house.
We do not allow smoking in our house. ( Gerund function: direct object.)

I don't believe in buying wine as an investment.
I don't think that buying wine is a good investment. ( Function of the gerund: prepositional object.)

My favorite activity is reading.
My favorite pastime is reading. ( )

Our mistake was trusting him.
Our mistake was that we believed him. ( Gerund function: predicative.)

Complement gerund in English

Being a verb form, the gerund also has the characteristics of a verb. Like a verb, a gerund can take an object after itself.

Compare:
Smoking is injurious to health. - smoking cigarettes is injurious to health.
Smoking unhealthy. - smoking cigarettes unhealthy. ( Noun cigarettes smoking. )

I love reading. – I love reading novels.
I really love to read. - I really love read novels. (Noun novels is the complement of the gerund reading. )

However, note that when a gerund is used with an article, it cannot take a direct object. Instead, a prepositional structure is used of.

For example:
The smoking of cigarettes is injurious to health.
Smoking cigarettes is harmful to health.

The climbing mountains is a good sport.
Rock climbing is a good sport.

Use of pronouns with gerunds in English

With the gerund, possessive pronouns and some attributive words are often used (for example, this, those, each, either, some, few, all, both, etc.), thus indicating by whom the action expressed by the gerund is performed.

For example:
They insisted on my resigning the post.
They insisted that I left from this post.

Does my smoking annoy you?
It doesn't bother you that I smoke?

I don't mind your coming late.
I don't mind You came late.

I hate everything this useless arguing.
I can't stand all this useless dispute.

There is no hope of his arrival on time.
There is no hope that he will come in time.

She was angry at John's trying to lie to her.
She was angry that John tried lie to her.

In colloquial speech in such situations, nouns or personal pronouns or with are much more often used (for example: me, him, you, John) than possessive pronouns or attributive words.

For example:
They insisted on me resigning the post.
She was angry at John trying to lie to her.

Also, nouns and personal pronouns are preferred when the gerund is in the passive form, or when the noun expresses an inanimate object.

For example:
We were shocked at President Kennedy being assassinated.
We were shocked when President Kennedy was assassinated.

There is no danger of the roof crashing.
There is no danger that the roof will collapse.

There is no hope of the fog lifting for another hour.
There is no hope that the fog will come down in the next hour.

Gerunds with verbs of perception are also usually used with nouns and personal pronouns.

For example:
I saw him running out of the room.
I saw him run out of the room.

The use of the gerund is covered in great detail and described in the next section,

Gerund (gerund)- This is the English part of speech, which has the properties of a noun and a verb.

• Thank you for coming.- Thanks that came.
• Excuse me for being late.- Sorry what late.

As can be seen from the examples, the gerund is translated verb.

In English, there are also parts of speech that coincide in form with gerund. This verbal noun And actual communion.

If it's clear, what is a gerund then let's look at its forms:

Gerund forms

So, as you can see from the table, The gerund changes over time and has 4 forms:

• two in active voice: writing & having written
• two in the passive voice: being written & having been written

Beginners need to learn to use only the basic form in speech - writing(this is the present tense form of the gerund in the active voice).

Complete gerund subject exercise and practice translating it.

EXAMPLE. Riding a bike is fun! — Cycling- fun!

Exercise 1. Form a gerund from the verb in brackets and translate the sentence.

1. … too much television gives Mrs Harris a headache. (watch)
2. …to loud music is bad for your ears. (listen)
3. I believe … postcards is an interesting hobby. (collect)
4. …is rather boring. (fish)
5. …computer games can cause addiction(addiction).

The gerund's form perfect( having written) , as a rule, can be replaced by non-perfect ( writing). So there is no need to worry about this!

• I remember meeting her. = I remember having met her. “I remember meeting her.
• After doing such hard work they decided to rest a little. = After having done such hard work for a long time they decided to rest. They decided to take some rest after doing such hard work.

However, at the initial stage, it is necessary to be able to translate sentences with a gerund in two forms: writing & having written.

There is nothing difficult in this, if you remember that

• the form writing- translated by a subordinate clause in the present or future tense;
• and the form having written — translated by a subordinate clause in the past time.

• She thinks of writing a book. - She thinks about will write a book.
• She thinks of having written a book.- She thinks about wrote a book.

Gerund. Usage cases for beginners

Beginners to study the gerund should remember 4 main cases its uses:

1. after the verbs of beginning, continuation and end of the action;
2. after verbs of preference;
3. after prepositions;
4. after the verb go.

Case I. The gerund is used after verbs expressing the beginning, end or continuation of an action:

1. start , begin , take up (begin to do, do)

• start reading. - Start reading.
  
• I began dancing.- I started dancing.
  
• I took up dancing. - I took up dancing.
  

2. stop, finish, give up stop do, quit )

• Stop talking. - Stop talking.
  
• Have you finished writing? — Have you finished writing?
  
• Give up smoking. - Quit smoking.
  

3. go on, continue, keep on ( continue do )

• Go on writing.- Keep writing.
  
• Continue reading.- Keep reading.
  
• Keep on asking questions. - Keep asking questions.
  

Remember these verbs followed by a gerund:

start, begin, take up

stop, finish, give up

go on, continue, keep on.

* * *

Case II. The gerund is used after

1. enjoy
2. don't mind
3. dislike
4. can't stand

• I like dancing.
• I don't mind playing football.
• I hate skiing.

Combination Would you mind with a gerund expresses a polite request:

Would you mind waiting a little? —Do you mind waiting a little?

COMPARE:

• I like reading newspapers. (like = enjoy)
• I like to read newspapers at lunch. (fact, not process).

• I like swimming. (I like the process of swimming.)
• I like to swim in the swimming pool every week. (expediency, not process)

HappeningIII. The gerund is used after prepositions.

So, REMEMBER that the gerund is used after any pretexts,

EXAMPLE. After visiting the gallery we decided to go to the museum.

as well as in common constructions with adjectives.

Stable constructions "adjective with a preposition"

1. be fond of of- be in love
   
2. be tired of- get tired from
   
3. be proud of- be proud
   
4. be afraid of- afraid
   
5. be famous for- be famous behind
   
6. be ready for- to be ready to
   
7. be responsible for- respond behind
   
8. be good/bad at- have the ability to
   
9. be interested in- be interested
   
10. be bored with- miss from
    
11. be angry with smb for doing smth - angry on the to wow behind something
12. be keen on- get involved

• I am fond of visiting my relatives.
• He is bored with writing tests.

Also remember two adjectives that are used without a preposition.

• BUSY - I am busy reading. — I busy because I read.
  
• WORTH – The book is worth reading. — This book costsread.
  

* * *

HappeningIV. The gerund is used after the verb go to express some activities:

• go shopping - go shopping
• go skiing - go skiing
• go fishing - go fishing
• go sailing - sail on a yacht
• go sightseeing - go sightseeing
• go climbing - go to the mountains
• go swimming - go swimming
• go riding, etc. - ride, etc.

AND FINALLY REMEMBER

Proverbs and expressions with gerunds:

1. It goes without saying. — Samo yourself of course.
2. It's no use crying over spilt milk. — Tears of sorrow will not help. What to grieve about, what cannot be turned back.
3. Seeing is believing. — Better to see once than hear a hundred times.
4. You can't make an omelet without breaking eggs . — Forest cut down, chips are flying.
5. There is no harm in trying. — Attempt not torture.

This is everything you need to know about the gerund (for beginners). Let's move on to the exercises on the gerund?

If you are not yet familiar with the gerund, and your level has already exceeded the Pre-Intermediate mark, then it is time to fix this matter. Just do not scroll through the entire article now and be afraid of its volumes. You are already here - there is no turning back! We will try to make your journey and acquaintance with this form of the verb as pleasant as possible. Let's do this!

What is a gerund

Gerund- a special form of the verb with the suffix -ing, which combines the features of a noun and a verb. And what distinguishes it from an ordinary noun is a slight shade of the meaning of a process. For example:

painting- drawing;
singing- singing;
playing- a game.

In Russian, there is no such thing as a gerund. One can only draw a parallel in meaning with verbal nouns with the suffixes “-(e) nie”, “-tie”, “-ka”, “-stvo”, etc., or verbs in an indefinite form. Look here:

Singing in the shower is his biggest joy. - Pe nie in his heart gives him the greatest joy. Or - His greatest joy - sing in the shower.

You don't have to be Sherlock to find a gerund in a text. You can easily find it by the characteristic ending "- ing". And there will be no exceptions.

About communion

However, the grammar would not be itself if everything were so simple. Present participle, it is also the participle of the present tense, also has the ending "-ing". Therefore, attention! Do not confuse: gerund is a word that comes from a verb, and acts as a noun. While participle present time in this role does not perform, but describes some other word. Here for comparison:

Susie hates somebody's singing in the middle of the night. - Susie can't stand someone else's singing in the middle of the night.

Here "singing" is a gerund, since it fulfills the role of an object that is characteristic of a noun.

Waiting for everyone to fall asleep, Mr. Crabster takes a shower and starts to sing. - waiting when everyone is asleep, Mr. Crabster takes a shower and begins to sing.

Here "waiting" is the present participle, as it describes Mr. Crabster's actions.

3. Verbs with the last stressed syllable and ending in "- r» also need a double last consonant. However, the stressed syllable should not contain diphthongs (sounds whose articulation implies a transition from one vowel sound type to another):

to sta r- star ring;
to wear to wear ing.

4. If there is a letter “-” at the end of the word l”, then it is always doubled, regardless of whether the last syllable is stressed or not.

to tel l- tel ling;
to sel l-sel ling.

5. If the infinitive ends with "- ie", they are replaced by "- y»:

to l ie-l y ing;
to d ie-d y ing.

The negative form is formed using the particle " not", which is placed before the gerund:

I prefer not waiting for too long. - I prefer not to wait too long.
The best thing for you now is not watching. - The best thing for you right now is not to look.

Gerund translation

Since there is no form similar to the gerund in Russian, it can be translated in different ways. There are 2 main ways to translate the gerund:

1) a noun that conveys the process: painting - drawing, reading - reading:

Counting cash helps him calm down. - Counting money calms him down.
playing the piano is her cup of tea. - Playing the piano is what she likes.

2) a verb, most often of an indefinite form: painting - to draw, reading - to read, and sometimes, if there is a pretext, a gerund - drawing, reading.

I am fond of reading books. - I like to read books.
He has gone without saying Goodbye. He left without saying goodbye.

Complex forms of the gerund are almost always translated by subordinate clauses.

Thank you for reading this article. - Thank you for reading this article.
Do you remember taking your umbrella with you? - Do you remember how you took an umbrella with you?

Do you feel how your brain boils? Yes, we are gaining momentum. So take a deep breath and scroll on.

Gerund forms

The gerund has a simple (Simple) and perfect (Perfect) forms, and can also be used in active and passive voice.

The simple form of the gerund ( simple gerund) is used for an action that occurs simultaneously with the action of the verb-predicate:

She likes visiting her friends. - She likes to visit her friends.
She likes being visited by her friends. She loves when her friends visit.

The perfect form of the gerund ( Perfect Gerund) is used for an action that precedes the action of the verb-predicate:

He is excited of having spoken to her. - He's thrilled to have spoken to her.
He is excited of having been spoken to. He's thrilled to have been spoken to.

Functions of the gerund in a sentence

Since the gerund is something between a verb and a noun, it can take on various functions in sentences. It can be an addition, a circumstance, a subject, a definition. Don't let these grammatical terms scare you, and if something is not entirely clear, then examples will help you.

• Subject:

Walking is very healthy. - Walking is very good for health.

• Prepositional addition:

Mary is fond of dancing. - She loves to dance.

• direct addition:

police officer minds your waiting here. - The policeman objects to your waiting here.

• Time condition:

On coming home Mr. Crabster came across his neighbor. - Upon returning home, Mr. Crabster ran into his neighbor.

• Circumstance of action:

Instead of doing her home task she watched "The Big Bang Theory". - Instead of doing her homework, she was watching The Big Bang Theory.

• Compound nominal predicate:

My husband's business is selling rabbits. - My husband's business is to sell rabbits.

• Definition:

Aliens liked her manner of speaking. - The aliens liked her way of speaking.

Use of the gerund

The gerund can be used after many verbs and adjectives with fixed prepositions. Let's take a look at the most common ones. Only get ready, because there is quite a lot to remember. In general, keep the following lists with you and use them as a cheat sheet until these words finally settle in your head.

Verbs followed by only a gerund:

acknowledge- recognize, confirm;
admit- recognize, allow;
advise- advise;
allow- allow, permit;
anticipate- anticipate, expect;
appreciate- appreciate, evaluate, be grateful;
avoid- to avoid, evade;
be worth- worth something, deserve;
can't help- I can not, I can not (resist);
celebrate- celebrate;
consider- consider, consider;
defense- defend (sya), defend;
delay- delay, delay
detest- to hate
discontinue- stop, stop
discuss- discuss
dislike- not to love
dispute- quarrel, quarrel, question
dread- be afraid, fear
endure- endure, endure
enjoy- enjoy
escape- escape, escape, get rid of, avoid
evade- evade, avoid
explain- to explain;
fancy- to imagine, to wish, to want;
fear- afraid;
feel like- want to gather;
feign- pretend, pretend
finish- finish;
forgive- forgive;
give up- give up, give up
keep- continue;
mention- to mention;
mind- object (only in questions and negatives);
miss- miss;
necessitate- compel, make necessary;
omit- skip, do not include;
permit- allow, permit;
picture- depict, imagine;
postpone- postpone, reschedule
practice- to practice, to practice;
prevent- prevent, hinder, hinder;
put off- postpone;
recall- recall;
collect- remember, remember
recommend- recommend, advise;
report- inform, report;
resent- to be indignant, to be indignant;
resist- to resist, to refrain;
resume- summarize, sum up, resume;
risk- to risk;
shirk- evade, evade;
suggest- suggest;
support- support, promote;
tolerate- endure, allow;
understand- understand;
urge- encourage, convince, insist;
warrant- guarantee, vouch.

I suggest waiting for a better chance. - I suggest waiting for a better opportunity.
She burst out crying. - She burst into tears.
She risky her life taking that medicine. She risked her life taking that medicine.

Gerund after verbs with prepositions:

accuse of- To accuse of;
agree to- agree with;
blame for- blame for;
complain of- complain about;
consist in- be included in;
count on/upon- count on;
congratulations on- congratulate with;
depend on- depend on;
dream of- To dream of;
feel like- want to gather;
hear of- hear about;
insist on- insist on;
keep from- keep (sya) from;
look forward to- look forward to, look forward to;
look like- to look like;
object to- object against;
persist in- persevere;
praise for- praise for;
prevent from- prevent from;
rely on- to rely on;
result in- to lead to;
succeed in- succeed in;
suspect of- to suspect;
thanks for- give thanks for;
think of- to think about.

I don't feel like dancing with him. - I don't want to dance with him.
I "m looking forward to going to Italy. - I'm looking forward to a trip to Italy.
She suspected her boyfriend of deceiving her. She suspected that her boyfriend was cheating on her.

To be + adjective/participle + gerund:

be afraid of- to be afraid of something;
be ashamed of- be ashamed of something
be engaged in- to be busy with something;
be fond of- to love something, to be fond of something;
be good at- be capable of;
be interested in- be interested in something;
be pleased at- to be content;
be proud of- to be proud of something;
be responsible for- be responsible for;
be sorry for- to regret something;
be surprised at- to be surprised at something;
be tired of- tired of that or;
be used to- get used to.

I'm tired of drinking champagne. - I'm tired of drinking champagne.
She is good at dancing the cha-cha. She is good at cha-cha-cha dancing.
I'm sorry for not coming. - I'm sorry I didn't come.

Gerund vs infinitive. Who will win?

In English, there are a number of verbs with which only the infinitive can be used, after some - only the gerund, while some verbs allow the use of both the infinitive and the gerund after themselves. To begin with, let's see what meaning is inherent in each of these rivals - the gerund and the infinitive. The following table will help you understand this.

Verbs followed by an infinitive or gerund without changing the meaning of sentences:

begin- start;
can't bear- do not endure, do not endure;
can't stand- do not tolerate;
continue- continue;
hate- to hate;
like- like, love;
love- be in love;
prefer- prefer;
propose- suggest;
start- start.

Mary hates to wait for anyone. - Mary hates waiting for someone.
I can't stand listening to his guitar play. - I can't listen to his guitar playing.
I like riding in the mountains. - I like riding in the mountains.

Verbs followed by an infinitive or gerund with a change in meaning.

With these verbs, you need to keep your eyes open. Depending on what you choose - infinitive or gerund, the sentence will take on a certain meaning:

Conclusion

Well, the acquaintance with the gerund took place. As you can see, this topic is very extensive, there are many nuances and tables that you just need to memorize. You can use our article as a cheat sheet or sign up for our English courses via Skype to reinforce the topic. For those who have read to the end, +1000 to karma. May the force of the gerund be with you!

Big and friendly family EnglishDom

How to distinguish between the infinitive and gerund in English, in what cases they are used, what affects it, what groups of verbs exist and how to figure it all out. And is it possible?

Of course available. Although the theme of the infinitive and gerund is one of the most extensive in the English language and has many nuances, there is no need to be afraid of it. Consistent study and analysis of examples will help to assimilate it and accurately use both forms.

To cover all the details of this topic is not an easy task. The difficulty lies in the fact that for the choice of verb ing or infinitive, the rule cannot be unambiguously established. The choice may differ in each individual case, and it is determined by the verb on which the infinitive / gerund depends. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the analysis of specific sentences in order to better remember what is used with what. But let's start with a general theory: what each of the two forms is.

Infinitive

The infinitive for native Russian speakers is familiar. This is a verb form that does not change for persons and numbers. It carries the general meaning of the situation, so this particular verb form is recorded in the dictionary. For example, the verb to run is to run. You can find out the form of the infinitive by the particle to, which comes before the verb.

The infinitive in English is similar to Russian and is often translated in the same way.

I want to become an actor - I want to become an actor.

Gerund

With the advent of the gerund, difficulties begin. There is no equivalent for the gerund in Russian. Depending on the sentence, it can be translated in various ways: as a verbal noun, infinitive, participle, or subordinate clause.

I enjoy listening to music - I like listening to music / I enjoy listening to music / I enjoy listening to music

The gerund is formed from the stem of the verb by adding the ending -ing. The -ing form can also indicate a participle: for example, "a crying child" (crying child). However, the participle differs from the gerund in its meaning, in addition, it is directly related to the noun and depends on it.

Gerund occupies an intermediate position between a noun and a verb and combines the features of these parts of speech. In meaning, it is close to the noun, which contains the idea of ​​the process of action (reading - reading, walking - walking, walking). However, the gerund cannot be used with an article and does not have a plural form.

Swimming is good for your health - Swimming is good for your health.

This form also has verbal features. The infinitive and gerund in English are similar in that both are impersonal: they do not change in person or number. On the other hand, they can change over time and, for example, have perfect forms (to have done - infinitive / having done - gerund).

After having lived in one room for a year we can completely trust each other - After we have lived in the same room for a year, we can completely trust each other.

The gerund and the infinitive in English are also brought together by the fact that they can occupy the same position in a sentence. Then the question arises: which form to choose? The situation is complicated by the fact that in English there is no specific rule that would unambiguously determine which form should be used.

The choice depends on the verb that precedes the infinitive or gerund form. For example, for the verb allow: infinitive or gerund? This is determined by the verb allow itself, which here subordinates the next word. It is the preceding verb that serves as an indicator of choice, and in order to know which form to put, you need to remember its requirements. So in English there are two groups of verbs: those that are used with the infinitive, and those that are followed by a gerund.

Verbs with infinitive

First, we will analyze those verbs that require the infinitive form after them. For each verb, we will give an example of usage in order to better remember it and learn the context.

• expect (expect): This must be what people expect to hear - This must be what people expect to hear.
• agree: They agreed to support this project - They agreed to support this project.
• claim (claim): The administration claims to act in a disinterested way - The administration claims that it will act impartially.
• threaten (to threaten): He threatened to end his career - He threatened to destroy his career.
• offer (offer): She offered to coach him in the evenings - She offered to coach him in the evenings.
• arrange (settle, organize): I arranged to meet Steven at ten o "clock - I arranged to meet Steven at 10.
• refuse: He refused to take responsibility for any problem - He refused to take responsibility for any of the problems.
• promise (promise): He promised to cooperate with the investigation - He promised to cooperate with the investigation.
• deserve (deserve): She deserve to be happy - She deserves to be happy.
• afford (to afford): She cannot afford to pay for this - She cannot afford to pay for it.
• hope (hope): My mother really hopes to see them again - My mother really hopes to see them again.
• learn (teach): He has learned to live with it - He has learned to live with it.
• decide: He decided not to waste any more time - He decided not to waste any more time.
• pretend (pretend): He pretended to believe her - He pretended to believe her.
• plan (plan): She loved animals and planned to be a vet - She loved animals and planned to become a veterinarian.

The infinitive may be preceded by an allied word that introduces a subordinate clause: how (how), where (where), what (what), when (when), whether (unless). Some of these verbs are:

• ask: Most visitors ask where to find unusual plants - Most visitors ask where to find unusual plants.
• decide (decide): I "m trying to decide whether to become a journalist or a politician - I'm trying to decide whether to become a journalist or a politician.
• know (to know): I know when to stop - I know when to stop.
• remember (remember): I couldn't remember where to go - I can't remember where to go.
• explain: The letter explains how to make the payments - The letter explains how to make the payment.
• understand: You should understand how to deal with problems - You should understand how to deal with problems.

Adding a Member

Verbs with to and ing can introduce another participant in the situation into the sentence. This is most typical for constructions with an infinitive. Such a participant in the situation (in the examples analyzed above this situation has not yet happened) appears when the verb and the infinitive refer to different actors. Then this participant takes the position of the complement and is placed before the infinitive.

I want to improve - I want to develop.
I want you to improve - I want you to develop.

Translated into Russian, this participant can often turn out to be the subject in a subordinate sentence:

I don "t want you to make the same mistakes - I don't want you to make the same mistakes.

An indication of another person is necessary for the verbs make (force), let (allow): their very meaning makes it necessary to indicate to whom the action is directed. At the same time, the infinitive in this construction is used without the particle to.

He may let you do everything you ask - He may let you do whatever you ask.
She always makes me laugh - She always makes me laugh.

The participant's expression is also characteristic in constructions with verbs:

• ask (ask): I ask you to help me - I ask you to help me.
• forbid (forbid): I forbid you to talk to them - I forbid you to talk to them.
• help (help): Can you help me to find the book? - Can you help me find the book?
• beg (beg): I beg you to leave this place - I beg you to leave.
• expect (expect): He expected me to be happy - He expected me to be happy.
• teach (teach): They teach children to be kind and honest - They teach children to be kind and honest.

Verbs with gerund

We have analyzed the class of verbs that force the use of the infinitive. Another type includes words after which the gerund form is required, and not the infinitive:

• finish (finish): When you "ve finished writing, put it away for two or three days - When you finish writing, put it off for a couple of days.
• enjoy (love, enjoy): I always enjoy walking the streets - I always like walking the streets.
• suggest (offer): I suggested waiting - I suggested waiting.
• avoid (to avoid): You avoid seeing me - You avoid meeting with me.
• consider (consider, consider): You should consider building a new house - You should think about building a new house.
• put off (postpone): She wished she could put off telling him until tomorrow - She wishes she could put off talking to him until tomorrow.
• delay (delay): We delayed sending the documents - We delayed sending the documents.
• deny: She denies attempting murder - She denies attempted murder.
• risk: He risked losing everything - He risked losing everything.
• imagine (imagine): I can hardly imagine him marrying anyone - I can hardly imagine him marrying anyone.
• give up (quit): She has recently given up smoking - She recently quit smoking.

The gerund and the infinitive in English differ in their scope of use and have their own typical contexts. The gerund is characterized by the use after prepositions: instead of (instead of), without (without), before (before), after (after), besides (except) and others.

Instead of criticizing the others he is focused on his own success - Instead of criticizing others, he focuses on his own success.

He has already made a decision without consulting any of us - He has already made a decision without asking any of us.

The use of the gerund is also characteristic for verbs with prepositions:

• believe in (to believe in something): I believe in providing the most natural conditions for animals - I believe in providing the most natural environment for animals.
• think of (think, think about): You wouldn't think of doing it years ago - You wouldn't have thought of doing it before.
• succeed in: He had succeeded in pleasing her in spite of everything that had happened - He managed to please her despite everything that happened.
• dream of (dream about): I can only dream of living in Australia - I can only dream of living in Australia.
• persist in (persist on): That "s why you persist in calling him? - Is that why you keep calling him?
• complain about: She always complains about working so hard - She always complains about working so hard.
• accuse of (accused of): Mark is accused of working for a terrorist organization - Mark is accused of working for a terrorist organization.

The gerund is used after constructions with the verb to be, describing the internal state:

• to be afraid of (be afraid): I "m not afraid of falling - I'm not afraid to fall.
• to be proud of (proud): You should be proud of being a father - You should be proud that you are a father.
• to be tired of (tired): I "m tired of living in this city - I'm tired of living in this city.
• to be good at (to be able): Don "t be surprised, she is good at remembering faces - Don't be surprised, she remembers faces well.

Many set expressions with the verb have require a gerund:

• have fun (have fun): I "m going to have fun pretending to be your husband - I'll have fun pretending to be your husband.
• have a good time (have a good time): We had a good time watching movies - We had a good time watching movies.
• have problems (to have problems with something): I have problems losing weight - I'm not good at losing weight.
• have difficulty / a difficult time: You see your aim but have difficulty getting there - You see the goal, but you can't reach it.

An additional participant in a sentence with a gerund is less common than with an infinitive, but is also possible.

Do you accuse me of being conceited and arrogant? "Are you accusing me of being smug and arrogant?"

I could imagine them looking at each other - I could imagine how they look at each other.

Verbs with gerund and infinitive

There are verbs in English in which both forms can be used interchangeably: for example, continue doing or to do. Remembering such verbs is not difficult, they include: continue (continue), intend (intend), begin (start), start (start), bother (worry, bother).

I started to pay attention to such things / I started paying attention to such things - I started paying attention to such things.

He did not bother to publish any of his work / He did not bother publishing any of his work - He did not bother to publish any of his work.

But if the first verb is in the Continuous form, it is better to give preference to the infinitive in order to avoid piling up the -ing forms.

I "m intending to sell the house - I intend to sell the house.

The verb prefer (prefer) can be attributed to the same group of verbs. With the verb prefer, the infinitive or gerund are equivalent. However, in the conditional construction would prefer (would prefer), the infinitive is used.

I prefer living in the country to living in the city center / I prefer to live in the country rather than in the city center - I prefer to live in the countryside rather than in the city center.

I would prefer to live in the country rather than in the city center - I would rather live in the countryside than in the city center (only with the infinitive).

Determining what to put with like - a gerund or an infinitive, is quite simple. The verb like (like), just like love (love) and hate (hate), can attach both the infinitive and the gerund. But only the gerund can be used when the event is unfolding at the moment of speech. The infinitive refers to a typical situation.

I hate talking to strangers / I hate to talk to strangers - I hate talking to strangers(this is a constant quality, the situation in general).

I like working in this company - I like working in this company(that is, I already work there, the event is already happening - which means that only the gerund can be used).

The addition of a participant in the situation can lead to a difference in forms. For example, in the usual case, after the verbs allow (allow), recommend (recommend), permit (allow), advise (advise), both the gerund and the infinitive are possible. However, adding a subject affects the choice of the subsequent form: when referring to a participant, the infinitive must be chosen. If there is no additional character - gerund.

We advise you to visit The National Gallery - We advise you to visit the National Gallery.

We advise visiting National Gallery - We advise visiting the National Gallery.

There are more complex cases: for example, when the meaning of the verb before it changes depending on the choice of gerund / infinitive. The following table will help you understand:

When choosing, for example, a gerund or an infinitive for the verb stop, or for regret to do or doing, first pay attention to the semantic difference: what meaning you want to give to your sentence.

Variety of shapes and designs

The infinitive and gerund can occur not only in the form we have considered them. They can be used in the perfect form or in the passive. The passive voice is formed by adding the verb to be, which takes on the form of an infinitive or gerund. And the semantic verb in this case is used in the third form. For example: to be done / being done (to be done).

She refused to be interviewed - She refused to be interviewed.

I didn't want to risk being destroyed - I didn't want to take the risk of being destroyed.

The particle to may not always indicate the use of the infinitive form: it may be part of the previous verb. For example, with look forward to there can only be a gerund form, despite the presence of to. The particle here belongs to the verb construction look forward to (to look forward to, anticipate) and is inseparable from it.

I look forward to hearing from you soon - I hope to hear from you soon.

The situation is similar with the be / get used to construction. The particle refers to the construction itself and does not serve as a means of attaching the infinitive. Both options - to be used to (have a habit) and to get used to (get used to, acquire a habit) - require a gerund after themselves.

They are used to working together - They are used to working together.

We "ll get used to living in this city - We will get used to life in this city.

But do not confuse these constructions with the expression used to in the sense of a situation that was familiar in the past, but does not occur in the present. Here, used is not preceded by the verb to be, and the expression is followed by an infinitive.

I used to wake up at 6 a.m., but now I don't need to do it - I used to get up at 6 a.m., but now I don't have to.

Constructions with infinitive and gerund can be used in negation. At the same time, negation can apply not only to the whole situation as a whole (I don "t want to become an actor - I don't want to become an actor). Negation can act directly on the gerund or infinitive. In this case, the particle not should come after the first verb. Then for the gerund, the negation scheme looks like not V-ing, and for the infinitive it looks like not to V:

I hope not to be like that - I hope that I won't be like that.
I enjoy not being famous - I enjoy not being famous.

An alternative to constructions with an infinitive and a gerund can be two-part sentences with a link that. They can convey the same meaning, but use a structure with a subordinate clause for this. Most often, verbs of speech or judgments appear in such a construction, such as deny (deny), suggest (offer), admit (admit).

At first they denied that they had said such words / At first they denied saying such words - At first they denied that they had said such words.