Unit 9: Making Excuses

 |
 
Infinitives: After Adjectives

INFINITIVES: AFTER ADJECTIVES

USE:
Used to say how somebody thinks or feels about an action or event.

FORM:
[SUBJECT + BE + ADJECTIVE + TO + VERB...]

EXAMPLES:
"Mike was very surprised to see Ted with Laura."
"We were delighted to see Fred at the party."

Unit 9: Making Excuses

 |
 
Infinitives: After Objects
INFINITIVES: AFTER VERB + OBJECT

USE:
When there are two verbs with different subjects in the same clause, the
second is sometimes an Infinitive. This structure is often used to talk about the
first subject's attitude towards or influence on the second subject.

FORM:
[SUBJECT 1 + VERB 1 + SUBJECT 2 + Infinitive]

EXAMPLES:
"I told Maggie to write that letter last week."
"The teacher allowed the students to go home early."
"Fred asked me to lend him some money."
"I expected them to answer my letter immediately."
"They invited Sarah to go on vacation with them."
"We'd like you to work with us."
"I need you to sign this paper, please."
"The general ordered his men to retreat."
"Janet paid the mechanic to fix her car."
"David reminded her to feed the cat."
"Mary teaches people to read."
"The boss told me to work harder."
"Angela wants Paul to marry her."

Unit 9: Making Excuses

 |
 
Gerunds: As Subject
GERUNDS: AS SUBJECTS

USE:
A GERUND can act as the subject of any verb, instead of a noun or pronoun.
We often use Gerunds in this way to make generalizations. The Gerund can
stand alone, be followed by a complement (i.e. an object or an adverbial) or by
an adverbial clause.

FORM: 
[GERUND + (Complement/Adverb Clause) + VERB...]

EXAMPLES:
"Smoking is dangerous."
"Eating always makes me sleepy."
"Smoking cigars is very dangerous." (with Complement)
"Playing football makes me thirsty." (with Complement)
"Smoking when you are in a crowded room is inconsiderate." (with Adverbial
Clause)
"Not brushing your teeth before you go to bed is bad for your teeth." (with
Adverbial Clause)