Infinitive clauses; The to-infinitive with it, as subject, and as complement

 A sightseeing tour is the best way to see the city.

 I'd prefer to sit at the back.
 It isn't enough money to live on.
 It seems rude to turn down the invitation.
 My great ambition is to emigrate to Australia.
 It is a great mistake not to take a holiday now and then.
 It takes ages to defrost this fridge.

Exercise 1: Underline the infinitive clause in each sentence below.

1. A sightseeing tour is the best way to see the city.

2. I'd prefer to sit at the back.
3. It isn't enough money to live on.
4. It seems rude to turn down the invitation.
5. My great ambition is to emigrate to Australia.

Exercise 2: Rewrite the sentences below correctly, paying attention to the placement of the
infinitive clause.

1. I’d prefer at the back to sit.

2. A sightseeing tour is the way best to see the city.
3. It isn’t money enough to live on.
4. My ambition great is to emigrate to Australia.
5. It rude seems to turn down the invitation.

Exercise 3: Look at the sentences below. Identify whether the infinitive clause is used as a
subject, a complement, or with it as the subject.

1. It seems rude to turn down the invitation.

2. It takes ages to defrost this fridge.
3. My great ambition is to emigrate to Australia.
4. To turn down the invitation seems rude.
5. It is a great mistake not to take a holiday now and then.

Exercise 4: Rewrite the sentences below, replacing the infinitive clause with a gerund where
appropriate.

1. It takes ages to defrost this fridge.

2. It seems rude to turn down the invitation.
3. To turn down the invitation seems rude.
4. It is a great mistake not to take a holiday now and then.
5. My great ambition is to emigrate to Australia.
 The to-infinitive used as an adverbial
 My friend has gone to town to do some shopping.
 To get a good seat, you need to arrive early.
 We came in quietly so as not to disturb you.
 Laura came home to find her house on fire.
 To be frank, you didn’t make a very good impression.

Exercise 1: Read each sentence carefully and identify whether the to-infinitive clause is used to
express purpose, outcome, or comment.

1. My friend has gone to town to do some shopping.

2. To get a good seat, you need to arrive early.
3. Laura came home to find her house on fire.
4. We came in quietly so as not to disturb you.
5. To be frank, you didn’t make a very good impression.

Exercise 2: Rewrite the following sentences by replacing the to-infinitive clause with an
equivalent expression. Use the provided hints.

1. My friend has gone to town to do some shopping. (Hint: Use "for the purpose of")
2. To get a good seat, you need to arrive early. (Hint: Begin with "In order to")
3. Laura came home to find her house on fire. (Hint: Use "and discovered that")
4. We came in quietly so as not to disturb you. (Hint: Use "so that we wouldn't")
5. To be frank, you didn’t make a very good impression. (Hint: Replace with "Honestly")

Verb + to-infinitive or verb + gerund? Verb + to-infinitive or gerund: more

details
 I decided to take a bus.
 People will refuse to pay the new tax.
 I’m planning to visit India next year.
 I suggested taking a bus.
 Jane was considering offering to help the refugees.
 People will resent paying the new tax.
 I refuse to risk losing so much money.
 He agreed to attend the meeting.
 She admitted to making a mistake.
 We expect to have completed the work by the summer.
 The plane seemed to be losing height.
 We happened to meet in the street.
 The couple came to accept the death of their son.
 Rich people tend to live longer.
 Someone seems to have stolen my computer.
  Does anyone wish to make a comment?
 United are looking to return to the top of the table.
 We all helped (to) put up the tent.
 My friend agreed to pay half the cost.
 The customer asked to see the manager.
 I can't afford to buy a house.
 Will we be able to afford to go to Peru?
 I don't mind walking if it's fine.
 Would you care to come along with us?
 They don't allow sunbathing here.

Exercise 1: Identify whether the verb in each sentence is followed by a to-infinitive or a gerund.
Underline the correct form.

1. People will resent ________ (to pay / paying) the new tax.
2. Jane was considering ________ (to offer / offering) to help the refugees.
3. We expect ________ (to complete / completing) the work by the summer.
4. I suggested ________ (to take / taking) a bus.
5. I refuse ________ (to risk / risking) losing so much money.

Exercise 2: Match the verbs on the left with their correct form (to-infinitive or gerund)
on the right.

A.
1. I decided
running

B. to
2. She refused
take

C. to
3. He enjoys
visit

D. to
4. We agreed
help

5. They suggested E. taking

Exercise 3: Put the words in the correct order to form a meaningful sentence.

1. meeting / he / attend / to / agreed / the / the /.

2. risk / to / refuse / losing / money / so much / I / to.
3. finished / she / work / expected / to / by / the / have / the / Friday.
4. we / I / suggested / a / the / movie / seeing / after / dinner.
5. wanted / I / to / to / home / go / early / so / not / disturb / you.
Exercise 4: Complete each sentence using a combination of both to-infinitive and gerund
forms. Choose the correct combination based on the context.

1. People will refuse __________ (pay) the new tax, despite __________ (raise)
awareness about its importance.
2. I’m planning __________ (visit) India next year, although I’m still unsure about
__________ (book) the tickets.
3. I suggested __________ (take) a bus, but we ended up __________ (go) by car instead.
4. Jane was considering __________ (offer) to help the refugees, but she was worried
about __________ (get) involved.
5. People will resent __________ (pay) the new tax, especially after __________ (see)
how the government spends it.
6. I refuse __________ (risk) losing so much money, even though I’ve been thinking
about __________ (invest) in stocks.
7. He agreed __________ (attend) the meeting, but he wasn’t sure about __________
(speak) in front of such a large audience.
8. She admitted __________ (make) a mistake, but she wasn’t willing __________
(accept) the consequences.
9. We expect __________ (complete) the work by the summer, but it might take longer if
we keep __________ (encounter) setbacks.

Exercise 5 : Each sentence below contains an error in the use of the verb + to-
infinitive or gerund. Find the mistake and rewrite the sentence correctly.

1. I decided taking a bus to the city center.

2. He admitted to make a mistake in his calculations.
3. We happened meet in the street just by accident.
4. United are looking to return to win the title.
5. I don't mind to walk if it's fine outside.

Exercise 6: Choose the correct verb form (to-infinitive or gerund) to complete each
sentence.

1. He seems __________ (to have forgotten / having forgotten) the deadline for the
assignment.
2. I refuse __________ (to accept / accepting) any further excuses for not completing the
project.
3. Jane was considering __________ (to offer / offering) help, but she hesitated when she
saw how overwhelmed they were.
4. We all regret __________ (to inform / informing) you that the meeting has been
postponed.
5. You should avoid __________ (to discuss / discussing) sensitive topics in the
 workplace.

Exercise 7: Rewrite the sentences below by changing the structure, focusing on

using either the to-infinitive or gerund forms where appropriate. Some sentences
may require additional changes to maintain the meaning.

1. I refused to risk losing all my money in the deal.

→ It was a risk I refused __________ (take).
2. People will resent paying the new tax.
→ Paying the new tax is something people will resent __________ (do).
3. He came to accept the reality of the situation.
→ He eventually __________ (accept) the reality of the situation.
4. They expected to have completed the project by the deadline.
→ They were expecting __________ (complete) the project by the deadline.
5. We all helped to put up the tent.
→ We all __________ (help) put up the tent.

Verbs taking either a to-infinitive or a gerund

Exercise 1: Read the following statements. Decide if they are True or False based
on the rules for using to-infinitive and gerund.

1. You can use both like + gerund and like + to-infinitive to talk about what someone
enjoys doing.
2. The verb decide is usually followed by a gerund.
3. Love can only take a gerund when talking about enjoyment.
4. After bother, you should always use the gerund form.
5. Start can only take a to-infinitive.
6. You can say I can't stand waiting or I can't stand to wait and both are correct.

Exercise 2: Complete the following dialogue by filling in the blanks with the correct
verb form (either to-infinitive or gerund).

A: I know you're really busy, but do you __________ (want) to join us for dinner tonight?
B: I would love __________ (join) you, but I have to finish __________ (write) this report.
A: Oh, I understand. I just thought you might __________ (like) to take a break.
B: Well, I really __________ (love) to, but I don't think I'll manage it today.
A: No worries! Maybe we can plan something for next week when you're not so busy.

Verb + to-infinitive/gerund with a change in meaning

Exercise 1: Match each sentence with the correct explanation. Choose from the
explanations listed below.

1. He remembered to lock the door.

2. She regretted not taking the job offer.
3. We stopped working to have lunch.
4. I dread thinking about the future.
5. He’s trying to fix the computer.

Explanations:

a) Gerund: refers to a memory of an action that has already happened.

b) To-infinitive: refers to a necessary action that needs to be done.
c) Gerund: expresses fear or something you’re afraid of.
d) To-infinitive: indicates purpose or reason for an action.
e) Gerund: expresses regret about something done in the past.

The infinitive without to

Exercise 1: Complete the following sentences with the correct form of the verb
(infinitive without "to").

1. I’d rather ______ (not/go) to the cinema tonight.

2. He made me ______ (apologize) to her for being rude.
3. You could ______ (try) calling him again to see if he answers.
4. I thought I heard her ______ (talk) about leaving early.
5. We had better ______ (arrive) at the station before 8 AM.
6. She decided ______ (take) the job offer instead of waiting for another
opportunity.
7. I’ll have the waiter ______ (bring) the dessert menu.
8. They didn’t want to do anything but ______ (play) video games all day.
9. After the conference, I saw him ______ (leave) the building with a
colleague.
10.He must ______ (know) the answer to this question.

Exercise 2: Read the sentences below and identify the mistakes related to the
infinitive without "to." Correct the sentences by rewriting them.

1. She made me to wait for an hour in the lobby.

2. You should better bring your umbrella in case it rains.
 3. I had better to finish my homework before going out.
4. I can let you to know when the event starts.
5. He would rather to stay home and rest than go to the meeting.
6. The teacher let me to leave the class early today.
7. I saw them to argue over the project details.
8. They would rather you to not speak during the presentation.
9. We have nothing to do but wait for the results.

The Gerund
Exercise 1: Decide whether to use a gerund or an infinitive in the following
sentences. Write the correct form in the blanks.

1. We all agreed ______ (meet) tomorrow at noon.

2. I enjoy ______ (swim) in the sea during the summer.
3. You should stop ______ (smoke) if you want to be healthier.
4. They have decided ______ (move) to a new apartment.
5. She’s interested in ______ (learn) more about sustainable living.
6. I can’t help ______ (laugh) at his jokes; they’re so funny.
7. I regret ______ (not/visit) the museum while I was in town.

Exercise 2: Complete the sentences using the correct gerund form after the
preposition.

1. There’s no point ______ (argue) about something we can’t change.

2. I’m interested ______ (learn) new languages and cultures.
3. I succeeded ______ (finish) the project ahead of the deadline.
4. We had trouble ______ (find) a parking space near the venue.
5. It’s no use ______ (try) to convince him; he’s made up his mind.
6. I am really excited ______ (go) on holiday next week.
7. After ______ (read) the book, I was convinced about the importance of
teamwork.

Exercise 3: Read the sentences below and identify the gerund. Then, specify its
role (subject, complement, object of a verb, etc.).

1. Swimming is my favorite sport.

2. I regret not visiting my grandmother last weekend.
3. The problem is not understanding the instructions.
 4. I love baking cookies for my friends.
5. I’m considering moving to another city.
6. She’s looking forward to meeting everyone at the party.
7. His favorite hobby is painting landscapes.

Exercise 4: Rewrite the sentences below using the possessive form of the gerund
(e.g., my, your, Sarah’s).

1. I don’t like the idea of you waiting here for so long.

2. I was upset about Sarah laughing at my presentation.
3. They didn’t like the fact of their house being sold.
4. What’s the point of me doing all the work while you relax?
5. I was disappointed with Jack’s not helping me out.
6. He’s angry about his brother’s being late again.
7. We couldn’t understand their complaint about us not finishing on time.