Verbs with 'To'-infinitive or '-ing' Clauses
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The document discusses the use of verbs that can be followed by either 'to'-infinitive or '-ing' clauses, highlighting that there is often little difference in meaning. It provides specific examples of verbs like 'begin', 'prefer', 'like', 'remember', and 'try', illustrating the nuances in their usage depending on context. Additionally, it clarifies how usage differs when referring to events occurring before or after they happen, and outlines the appropriate sentence structure for these cases.
Verbs with 'To'-infinitive or '-ing' Clauses
- 1. Verbs with ‘to’-infinitive or ‘-ing’ clauses
- 2. Verbs with ‘to’-infinitive or ‘-ing’ clauses The following verbs can be followed by a ‘to’-infinitive clause or an ‘-ing’ clause, with little difference in meaning. begin try hate prefer continue attempt love start bother fear
- 3. Verbs with ‘to’-infinitive or ‘-ing’ clauses It started raining. A very cold wind had started to blow. The captain didn’ t bother answering. I didn’ t bother to answer.
- 4. Verbs with ‘to’-infinitive or ‘-ing’ clauses Note: If these verbs are used in a continuous tense, they are followed by a ‘to’-infinitive clause. The company is beginning to export to the West. We are continuing to make good progress.
- 5. Verbs with ‘to’-infinitive or ‘-ing’ clauses After ‘begin’, ‘continue’, and ‘start’, you use a ‘to’-infinitive clause with the verbs ‘understand’, ‘know’, and ‘realize’. I began to understand her a bit better.
- 6. Verbs with ‘to’-infinitive or ‘-ing’ clauses You can often use ‘like’ with a ‘to’- infinitive or an ‘-ing’ clause with little difference in meaning. I like to fish. I like fishing.
- 7. Verbs with ‘to’-infinitive or ‘-ing’ clauses However, there is sometimes a difference. You can use ‘like’ followed by a ‘to’-infinitive clause to say that you think something is a good idea, or the right thing to do. You cannot use an ‘- ing’ clause with this meaning.
- 8. Verbs with ‘to’-infinitive or ‘-ing’ clauses They like to interview you first. I didn’ t like to ask him.
- 9. Verbs with ‘to’-infinitive or ‘-ing’ clauses After ‘remember’, ‘forget’, and ‘regret’, you use an ‘-ing’ clause if you are referring to an event after it has happened. I remember discussing it once before. I’ ll never forget going out with my aunt. She did not regret accepting his offer.
- 10. Verbs with ‘to’-infinitive or ‘-ing’ clauses You use a ‘to’-infinitive clause after ‘remember’ and ‘forget’ if you are referring to an event before it happens. I must remember to send a gift for her child. Don’ t forget to send in your entries.
- 11. Verbs with ‘to’-infinitive or ‘-ing’ clauses After ‘regret’, in formal English, you use a ‘to’-infinitive clause with these verbs to say that you are sorry about what you are saying or doing now: announce inform learn say see tell I regret to say that it was all burned up.
- 12. Verbs with ‘to’-infinitive or ‘-ing’ clauses If you ‘try to do’ something, you make an effort to do it. If you ‘try doing’ something, you do it as an experiment, for example to see if you like it or if it is effective. I tried to explain. Have you tried painting it.
- 13. Verbs with ‘to’-infinitive or ‘-ing’ clauses If you ‘go on doing’ something, you are accustomed to doing it. If you ‘used to do’ something, you do it after you have finished doing something else. I went on writing. He later went on to form a computer company.
- 14. Verbs with ‘to’-infinitive or ‘-ing’ clauses If you ‘are used to doing’ something, you continue to do it. If you ‘go on to do’ something, you did it regularly in the past, but you no longer do it now. We are used to working together. I used to live in this street.
- 15. Verbs with ‘to’-infinitive or ‘-ing’ clauses After ‘need’, you use a ‘to’-infinitive clause if the subject of ‘need’ is also the subject of the ‘to’-infinitive clause. You use an ‘-ing’ form if the subject of ‘need’ is the object of the ‘-ing’ clause. We need to ask certain questions. It needs cutting.
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