Unit 6 – infinitives and -ing

forms
 Languages are full of patterns and
English is no different.
Let’s look at:
1. When we use infinitives.
2. When we use infinitives without to.
3. When we use -ing forms.

When do we use them?

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 Function: When do we use them?
I really want to go on safari this
year. I’m really interested in
seeing the wild animals in their
own environment, and I think I’ll
enjoy being surrounded by nature
for a week.
I don’t know where to go this year. My
parents asked me to help in their shop
over the summer, so I won’t be able to go
until late August. They let me go skiing
last year, so I can’t say no!

after certain verbs want to go

Look at the different patterns
we can make with verb
infinitives and -ing forms. Find after certain verbs + asked me to help
to + infinitive object
an example of each in the
conversation above. The first after where, what, where to go
is done for you. when, how and who
infinitive after certain verbs +
let me go
without to object
after certain verbs enjoy being
-ing
after prepositions interested in seeing

Copyright © 2018 by Pearson Education Gold Experience 2nd Edition B1+

 Function: When do we use them?
I really want to go on safari this year. I’m really interested in I don’t know where to go this year. My parents asked me to help
seeing the wild animals in their own environment, and I think in their shop over the summer, so I won’t be able to go until late
I’ll enjoy being surrounded by nature for a week. August. They let me go skiing last year, so I can’t say no!

after certain verbs, e.g. agree, wanted to go

decide, expect, hope, etc. There are many
after certain verbs + object asked me to help examples of verbs which
to + infinitive are followed by these
forms. We will look at
after where, what, when, how, where to go some more later…
and who

infinitive after certain verbs + object let me go Because we don’t stress the word
without to to in connected speech, we say
/tə/. Listen to how your teacher
after certain verbs enjoy being says it and repeat.

-ing
after prepositions interested in seeing Let’s consider some other
verbs which follow these
patterns…
Copyright © 2018 by Pearson Education Gold Experience 2nd Edition B1+
 -ing, to + infinitive, object + to +
infinitive, object + bare infinitive
Many verbs are followed by one of
intend suggest hope let these patterns. There is no rule, we
ask
just need to learn them.
mind remind beg consider enjoy help
Put these verbs in the
correct column. The first one
threaten promise persuade
make is done for you.

-ing to + infinitive infinitive without to

certain verbs + -ing certain verbs + to + infinitive certain verbs + object + to + certain verbs + object + bare
infinitive infinitive (without to)

Copyright © 2018 by Pearson Education Gold Experience 2nd Edition B1+

 -ing, to + infinitive, object + to +
infinitive, object + bare infinitive
-ing
certain verbs + -ing
I suggest going soon.
I don’t mind taking you.
I’ll consider speaking to her.
I enjoy taking photos.
to + infinitive
certain verbs + to + infinitive certain verbs + object + to +
infinitive
I intend to visit you. They asked me to help.
I hope to see you soon. I begged them to stay.
She threatened to leave. Tom reminds me to pay it.
I promise to call. She persuaded me to come.
Infinitive without to
certain verbs + object + bare
infinitive (without to)
They let me stay out late.
My mum makes me clean.
I help them find housing.

There are many more verbs like Some of the verbs followed by an
these. When you learn them, add object + to + infinitive can also be
them to a list like this. used without the object, e.g. ‘He
asked to see you.’

Some of these verbs can

also be followed by that, e.g.
‘I suggested that she came Let’s practise!
with us.’
Copyright © 2018 by Pearson Education Gold Experience 2nd Edition B1+
 Practice activities
Complete the gaps with either: (a) -ing; (b) to + infinitive; (c) object + to + infinitive; or
(d) object + infinitive without to.
failing
1. I’m really worried about………………………………………(fail) my maths test.
relaxing
2. I enjoy……………………………….(relax) at the weekends because I work so much during the week.

to drive
3. My sister doesn’t know how………………………………………..(drive) yet, but she starts lessons next month.

do
4. My grandparents used to let me………………………………..(do) everything I wanted when I was at their house!
to work
5. Good teachers can motivate their students……………………………(work) hard.

going
6. Karen is avoiding…………………………(go) to the ballet class at the moment because her teacher is making

take part in
her………………….(take part in) competitions.

visiting
7. I dream about………………………………(visit) India one day.

to write
8. Do you understand what…………………………………(write) for this exam?

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