Exercises - Infinitive and Gerund 4
Level A2
Complete each sentence with the verb in brackets in the correct form. Use an infinitive with to or the -ing form.
Grammar rules
When we use two verbs together, some verbs are followed by an infinitive with to. These include:
- to agree
- to appear
- to decide
- to fail
- to manage
- to promise
- to seem
- to want
The thieves managed to leave without a trace.
Crime seems to be on the rise in this town.
Other verbs are followed by an -ing form (gerund). After a verb followed by a preposition (e.g. think about), we always use the -ing form.
- to admit
- to avoid
- to enjoy
- to deny
- to give up
- to involve
- to mention
- to risk
The worker admitted stealing money from the company.
Give up worrying about what others think of you.
Some verbs can be used with either an infinitive or an -ing form:
- to begin
- to continue
- to start
- to hate
- to love
- to prefer
Answer explanations
The children enjoyed watching the lions at the zoo.
Enjoy is followed by an -ing form.
The company agreed to pay us for our invention.
Agree is followed by an infinitive with to.
They suggested moving to a bigger house.
Suggest is followed by an -ing form.
We have finished painting the living room.
Finish is followed by an -ing form.
The school has decided to postpone all events.
Decide is followed by an infinitive with to.
We expect to arrive in New York in two hours.
Expect is followed by an infinitive with to.
The minister denied using the money for his family.
Deny is followed by an -ing form.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your help.
Would like is followed by an infinitive with to. (Like without would can be followed by an infinitive or an -ing form.)
Do you want to play basketball this afternoon?
Want is followed by an infinitive with to.
You should consider saving some money for uncertain times.
Consider is followed by an -ing form.