Some verbs and adjectives can be followed by either an -ing form or an infinitive. In some cases, there is a difference of meanings. Some verbs and adjectives are usually followed by infinitives. There are also some verbs or adjectives that can only be followed by ing forms.
1He insisted ............... paid at once.
Wrong!
After "insist on," use a gerund, so "on being" is correct.
2I don't like the idea ............... old.
Wrong!
After "the idea of," use a gerund, so "of getting" is correct.
3I am not very good ...............
Wrong!
After "good at," use a gerund, so "at dancing" is correct.
4I was interested ............... that my ancestors were from Burma.
Wrong!
After "interested" to show a reaction to information, "to learn" is correct.
5I don't think they mean ............... for the moment.
Wrong!
When "mean" means "intend," use the infinitive, so "to get married" is correct.
6If you want to pass the test, that will mean ............... hard.
Wrong!
When "mean" means "involve," use a gerund, so "working" is correct.
7I'm beginning ............... things better.
Wrong!
After a continuous form of "begin", and with stative verbs such as "understand", use the to-infinitive, so "to understand" is correct.
8I am not accustomed ............... alone.
Wrong!
After "be accustomed to," use a gerund, so "to living" is correct.
9We are still waiting for them ...............
Wrong!
After "wait for someone," use the infinitive, so "to arrive" is correct.
10They are talking about ............... to the country.
Wrong!
After the preposition "about," use a gerund, so "moving" is correct.
11They repaired the roof instead ............... on holiday.
Wrong!
After "instead of," use a gerund, so "of going" is correct.
12I regret ............... my job. It was a big mistake.
Wrong!
Use a gerund after "regret" for a past action, so "quitting" is correct.
Exercise complete
0 out of 12
correct answers
Answers
- He insisted on being paid at once.
- I don’t like the idea of getting old.
- I am not very good at dancing.
- I was interested to learn that my ancestors were from Burma.
- I don’t think they mean to get married for the moment.
- If you want to pass the test, that will mean working hard.
- I’m beginning to understand things better.
- I am not accustomed to living alone.
- We are still waiting for them to arrive.
- They are talking about moving to the country.
- They repaired the roof instead of going on holiday.
- I regret quitting my job. It was a big mistake.