Gerunds and Infinitives

Gerund (e.g. seeing, walking)

After prepositions He finally fell asleep after taking a sleeping pill. I went to bed after doing the dishes. After verbs that express likes / dislikes: Love, hate, enjoy, don't mind Like, dislike, can't bear, can't stand He enjoys playing team sports. He hates losing. After certain verbs: Imagine, remember, miss Forgive, suggest, recommend After had better and would rather

Base form (e.g. see, walk)

After modal verbs (except ought to)

Daily exercise can improve your health. I will exercise tomorrow.

Since I had more than one glass of wine with dinner tonight, wed better take a cab home instead of driving. Actually, since its so nice out, I would rather walk home if you dont object.
With make and let

Dog are great pets because they always let you pet them. My dog often makes me smile when he jumps on my bed at 6:00 a.m. even if Im tired.

My doctor suggested exercising more often. Sorry, I dont remember meeting you.

Infinitive (base form + to to see, to walk)

After past participles and adjectives that express personal reactions or degree of difficulty: horrified, surprised, pleased, amazed afraid, glad, sorry, happy, difficult, hard, easy

Mary was happy to hear that her friend was out of danger.
After certain verbs: agree, refuse, ask, decide, forget, remember help, learn, offer, prepare, want, wish

They decided to join the group.

Gerunds and Infinitives

A) Complete the gaps using the gerund, to-infinitive or bare infinitive of the verbs in brackets. 1. 2. 3. 4.
5.

You should offer (to get) her some professional advice. I wish (to speak) about the problems that affect young people. You must (wake up) and (find) the right solutions for you. She insisted on (not hiding) the problems you may (have) if you drink. I dont mind (driving) if you are tired. 6. Its hard (to imagine) (going) through these difficult situations. 7. She agreed (to take) her best friend to the association. 8. After (failing) a breath test; you must (go) to the police station. 9. He gave up (smoking) two weeks ago. 10. She insisted on not (telling) him the truth. 11. They made him (listen) to their conversation. 12. You cant (come) in without (asking) permission first. 13. They wanted (to become) experts in technology. 14. Before (going) to bed you must (comb) your hair. 15. Ann is so unfit that she cant (touch) her toes without (bending) her knees. 16. I dont mind (getting up) early. B) Finish the sentences below so that they have a similar a similar meaning to the ones above. 1. I went to the theatre and I liked it. I liked going to the theatre. 2. Would you like to keep me company? Are you interested in keeping me company? 3. You shouldnt eat so many hamburgers. You had better not eat so many hamburgers. 4. Being a good student is not difficult. Its easy to be a good student. 5. Mark was allowed to drink alcohol at the party. They let Mark drink alcohol at the party. 6. When I was 16, I was taught to drive. I learned how to drive when I was 16.