When we use more than one verb in a sentence there are specific patterns, e.g. the infinitive to or –ing, that follow the first verb.
Look at this example: "My friend suggested watching a dvd at home, but I want to go out.
The verb ‘suggested’ is followed by an –ing form of the next verb (gerund) and the verb ‘want’ is followed by the infinitive to.
Certain verbs can be followed by either a gerund or the infinitive with a difference in meaning. Some of these verbs are: forget, remember, regret, stop, try.
Look at the first example:
"I forgot to say goodbye" Explanation: I didn’t say goodbye.
"I forgot saying goodbye" Explanation: I said goodbye, but I can’t remember that I did.
Look at the next examples and match the sentence beginnings with the endings using letters a-j.
a) when I go to the shop this afternoon.
b) when I went to the shop this afternoon.
c) but I couldn’t. It was broken.
d) but I could still hear the noise.
e) I wish we had gone somewhere else.
f) The chef heard me and now I’m terribly embarrassed!
g) because it’s just too expensive!
h) because I’d been working the whole day and needed a break.
i) My house was a mess when I woke up this morning.
j) It was such a nice surprise when I saw my clean kitchen!
Lesson by Danica teacher at EC Cape Town English School
