INFINITIVE & GERUND
CONSTRUCTIONS
Gerund/Infinitive constructions
are constructions with a certain verb which is used in conjunction with another
verb which, according to what initial verb is used, takes either a gerund or
infinitive form.
For example:
a)
I enjoy watching TV (“enjoy” in this case takes the gerund)
b)
I decided to study Japanese (“decided” takes the infinitive)
c)
Let’s go to the cinema (“let’s” takes the infinitive WITHOUT “to”)
Basically, there are five types of
gerund/infinitive constructions:
1) Verbs
which only take the gerund (enjoy, be/get used to, look forward to etc.)
2) Verbs
which only take the infinitive (want, need, hope, decide, would like etc.)
3) Verbs
which take both gerund and infinitive with little or no change in meaning
(like, start, begin, prefer etc.)
4) Verbs
which take both the gerund and the infinitive but have a radical change in
meaning (remember, stop etc). e.g. - I stopped smoking two years ago.
- I stopped to have a cigarette while I was
driving.
- Remember to do your homework for tomorrow.
- I don’t remember doing my homework last
night I was too drunk.)
5) Verbs
which take the infinitive WITHOUT “to” (let, would rather etc) e.g.
-
My parents made me study Economics.
- Let’s have dinner out tonight.
- I’d rather not go out tonight.
Verbs which may take either infinitive or gerund
·
advise need hate
·
agree permit intend
·
allow prefer like
·
begin propose love
·
can/could bear recommend mean
·
cease regret
want
·
continue remember used to
·
forget require try
·
stop
start
Example :
Ø If the
person concerned is mentioned we use the infinitive:
·
He advised me to apply at once.
·
She recommends housewives to buy the big tins.
·
They don't allow us to park here.
Ø But if this person is not
mentioned, the gerund is used:
·
He advised applying at once.
·
She recommends buying the big tins.
·
They don't allow parking.
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