This post is intended to help you use the -ING in English. The diagram above shows common uses of the ING form. In sum, it illustrates that some verbs, adjectives, prepositions and fixed expressions must be followed by the gerund. Some verbs (*), however, can be followed by either the infinitive or the gerund. In fact, when this happens, each structure has a different meaning.
The verbs stop, try, remember, regret , see , mean, etc. are examples of verbs that can be followed by the gerund and the infinitive, but with a change in meaning.
stop+ gerund= no longer do an activity. “I stopped smoking”.
stop+ infinitive= to interrupt an activity in order to do another. “I stopped to smoke because I was very stressed.
regret+ gerund= to be sorry about something you did in the past. “Susan regrets not living abroad when she was younger.
regret+ infinitive= to be sorry about what you are going to say. “I regret to say that you have not succeeded in your examination.
try + gerund= to test something to see if useful or if it works. e.g "Try using a different shampoo”.
try+ infinitive= to attempt to do something that is difficult. "I’ve tried really hard but I can't convince him to come.”
remember + gerund= e.g I remember having met her before.
remember+ infinitive= to do an action you mist do. e.g. Remember to lock the door.
see+ gerund= in the middle of an action. I saw him crossing the street
see+ infinitive= the action is finished. I saw him cross the street.
mean+ gerund= to express e.g What does ‘resign mean? Resign means leaving a job.
mean+ infinitive= to be someone’s intention. e.g I meant to send you an email, but I didn’t know your email address.
As practice makes perfect, I have prepared a set of questions to make you use the -ING form. Answer all the questions. Alternatively, work in pairs or in small groups. Have a look at the colors used, since they show different patterns.
STUDENT A
- What films do you recommend watching to learn about British/ American Culture?
- Tell me 3 things you are interested in.
- What are you afraid of?
- What activities are you good at?
- Name three things teenagers are crazy about?
- What are your hobbies?
- Have you regretted doing anything recently?
- When are you going to stop studying English?
- What are you looking forward to doing after class?
- What are you thinking about studying at university?
- Is it worth asking questions when a doctor prescribes a drug?
- What do you feel like doing this weekend?
- People say the “it's no good waiting for something to happen” Do you agree?
- Tell me two annoying habits you can’t stand.
- What kind of film do you hate watching?
- What do you enjoy doing on Sunday mornings?
- Is it easy for you to admit making mistakes?
- What do you usually do but never admit to anyone?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STUDENT B
- Which places do you suggest visiting in your city?
- What do you miss about your childhood? I miss…
- List 3 household tasks you don’t mind doing. I don’t mind…
- What do you love doing when you go on holiday? I love… / I’m keen on…
- What’s the worst thing you imagine doing to someone?
- List 3 things you can’t help doing.
- List 3 things you have to give up if you want to pass an examination
- What changes would you like to see on TV? I’m tired of… / I’m fed up with…
- How do you feel about staying (at ) home alone? I don’t mind…/ I don’t worry about…
- What do you avoid doing before an exam?
- What do you remember doing for fun as a child?
- A friend of yours wants to have dinner in a nice restaurant. What do you suggest? “How about …? / I suggest...
- Are there any things in your life you avoid doing? Give examples
- How did you feel after finishing high school?
- What are you thinking about doing next weekend?
- How do you enjoy life?
- What do you like doing most on school holidays?
No comments:
Post a Comment