Fill in the blanks with an infinitive or an ing form.
1I was feeling sleepy. I tried ..............., but I couldn't.
Wrong!
Use "to concentrate" for an effort that was difficult or unsuccessful.
2I tried ............... the table, but it was very heavy.
Wrong!
Use "to move" when tried means made an effort to do something.
3This fax machine doesn't seem to be working. Try ............... that blue button.
Wrong!
Use "pressing" when try means test a possible solution.
4I need ............... to my attorney.
Wrong!
Use "to talk" after need when the subject must do the action.
5You needn't ............... for me.
Wrong!
Use "wait" after the modal form needn't.
6My phone needs ...............
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
Use "charging" or "to be charged" when something needs to have an action done to it.
7Your hair needs ...............
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
Use "cutting" or "to be cut" when something needs to have an action done to it.
8Do you think these carpets need ...............?
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
Use "cleaning" or "to be cleaned" when something needs to have an action done to it.
9Can you help me ............... this table?
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
After help, both "move" and "to move" are correct.
10I tried to be serious, but I couldn't help ...............
Wrong!
Use "laughing" after couldn't help to mean could not stop yourself.
11I'm sorry, but I couldn't help ............... your conversation.
Wrong!
Use "overhearing" after couldn't help to mean could not avoid doing something.
12When you move to a city, you will have ............... used to the noise.
Wrong!
Use "to get" in the phrase have to get used to something.
Exercise complete
0 out of 12
correct answers
Answers
- I was feeling sleepy. I tried to concentrate, but I couldn’t.
- I tried to move the table, but it was very heavy.
- This fax machine doesn’t seem to be working. Try pressing that blue button.
- I need to talk to my attorney.
- You needn’t wait for me.
- My phone needs charging / to be charged
- Your hair needs cutting / to be cut
- Do you think these carpets need cleaning / to be cleaned?
- Can you help me move / to move this table?
- I tried to be serious, but I couldn’t help laughing
- I’m sorry, but I couldn’t help overhearing your conversation.
- When you move to a city, you will have to get used to the noise.