LESSON 1 – EXCERCISES

1) Choose the correct answer.

Verb + Object + Infinitive or gerund (-ing).
I never wanted to go to university but my parents persuaded me to go / that I went. I’ve
never really liked people telling / to tell me what to do and it felt like that at university.
We were made to study / study all sorts of things I wasn’t interested at all. My tutor
warned that I would fail / me to fail but it was too late. I wanted to leave, and my
parents realised that they couldn’t make me stay / to stay, so I was off. I had no idea
what to do but someone recommended that I join / me joining the army as an officer. I
couldn’t really imagine me going / me to go on long marches and all that but I read
some stuff on the internet that got me more interested. Well, now I’ve been in the army
for five years and I definitely advise / warn any young person to do it. It definitely takes
you time to get / getting used to it but it’s a great experience and I wouldn’t mind
carrying / to carry on for another five years.

2) Choose the best way to complete the sentences.

My parents never (let) me do anything.
I recommend (you talk) it over with your wife.
I’m still waiting (John make) a decision.
We would like (go) back there again someday.
I can’t stop you (make) a mess of your life.

1) Complete the sentences with ONE word.

Please allow me give you a lift in my car.
You’re making me guilty about what happened.
I prefer to make a completely fresh start.
She’s angry because I stopped her out with friends.
I’ve arranged the taxi to pick us up at 7.

2) Put the verb into either the gerund (-ing) or the infinitive (with ‘to’).
I don’t fancy (go) out tonight.
She avoided (tell) him about her plans.
I would like (come) to the party with you.
He enjoys (have) a bath in the evening.
She kept (talk) during the film.
I am learning (speak) in English.
Do you mind (give) me a hand?
She helped me (carry) my suitcases.
I’ve finished (cook) come and eat!
He decided (study) biology.
I dislike (wait).
He asked (come) with.
I promise (help) you tomorrow.
We discussed (go) to the cinema, but in the end we stayed at home.
She agreed (bring) the pudding to the dinner.
I don’t recommend (take) the bus – it takes forever!.
We hope (visit) Amsterdam next month.
She suggested (go) to the museum.
The plan (start) college in the autumn.
I don’t want (leave) yet.

3) Put the verb into the gerund or the infinitive with ‘to’.
She delayed ______________ (get) out of bed.
He demanded ______________ (speak) to the manager.
I offered ______________ (help).
I miss ______________ (go) to the beach.
We postponed ______________ (do) our homework.
I’d hate ______________ (arrive) too late.
She admitted ______________ (steal) the money.
I chose ______________ (work) here.
She waited ______________ (buy) a drink.
I really appreciate ______________ (be) on holiday.
I couldn’t help ______________ (laugh).
It seems ______________ (be) raining.
I considered ______________ (move) to Spain.
They practised ______________ (speak).
Finally, I managed ______________ (finish) the work.
I really can’t stand ______________ (wait) for the bus.
Unfortunately, we can’t afford ______________ (buy) a new car this year.
She risked ______________ (be) late.
I’d love ______________ (come) with you.
I prepared ______________ (go) on holiday.
 4) Complete the sentences with the correct form of the verb in brackets
Terry has decided (look for) a new job.
Will you two please stop (argue)? I'm trying to work.
Jill's hair looks nice. Has she had it (cut)?
Did you leave the cooker on? I can smell something (burn).
It's Tom's birthday today. Did you remember (post) his card?
Could you let me (know) what time the meeting starts?
What do you enjoy (do) in your spare time?
The teacher told the students (meet) at the station at 9 a.m.

5) Look at these examples of infinitive and gerund verb patterns. Is each of

these sentences Correct or Wrong?

I like going to the dentist at least twice a year.

 Correct.
 Wrong.
She regrets saying anything to her sister now.
 Correct.
 Wrong.
Swimming is a very good exercise fot the heart.
 Correct.
 Wrong.
After seeing so many homeless people, Carl decided to do something to help them.
 Correct.
 Wrong.
Stop to think anour how many unhealthy young people there are today.
 Correct.
 Wrong.
I regret informing you that you don’t hace the job.
 Correct.
 Wrong.
He was the one who convinced me to audition for the play.
 Correct.
 Wrong.
You can’t go on punish yourself for so long over something that wasn’t your fault.
 Correct.
 Wrong.

6) Read the context.

Jason needs to find a job. He delayed attendance of business school in order to get some
work experience first. It is hard for him to become accustomed to the fact that he is
unemployed. He is worrying that he will not be able to play the rent on his condominium.
Currently, he needs financial help from his parents. Jason would like to find a job in
marketing. He will select “branding” as his specialty. He will continue until he finds
employment. His father is trying to help him. Jason desires to be independent. He often fails
to thank his parents. Jason wishes to do well. For now, he is mentally managing the fact
that he is one of thousands of unemployed college graduates.
Select the verb and preposition expression that completes the sentence.
 Jason needs to find a job. He put on / off / over going to business school in
order to get some work experience first.
 It´s hard for him to get used to / about / of being unemployed.
 He worries on / about / of not being able to pay the rent on his condominium.
 Currently, he relies on / about / in getting financial help from his parents.
 Jason is interested about / on / in finding a job in marketing.
 He would like to specialize in / at / to doing “branding”
 Jason will keep in / about / of / on trying until he succeeds in / about / of / on
finding employment.
 His father insists in / about / of / on helping him.
 Jason looks forward in / about / of / to being independent.
 He often forgets in / about / of / to thanking his parents.
 Jason dreams in / about / of / to doing well.
 For now, he is coping in / of / on / with being one of the thousands of
unemployed college graduates.