Some verbs can be followed by a gerund or infinitive. The meaning is usually different. Verb + ing form tends to have a passive meaning.
Fill in the blanks with a gerund or infinitive.
1. I tried ........................ the door but I couldn't.
Correct!
Wrong!
2. She tried .............................. up.
Correct!
Wrong!
3. If the printer doesn't work, try ......................... the green button.
Correct!
Wrong!
If you try doing something, you do it because it could solve a problem.
4. ‘The tea is too strong.’ ‘Try .......................... some milk.’
Correct!
Wrong!
5. You need .......................... your hair.
Correct!
Wrong!
6. Your hair needs ..........................
Correct!
Wrong!
Your hair needs cutting means your hair needs to be cut.
7. You need .......................... that carpet.
Correct!
Wrong!
8. The carpet needs ............................
Correct!
Wrong!
= The carpet needs to be cleaned.
9. 'I can't turn my phone on.' 'Try ............................ it.'
Correct!
Wrong!
10. They were quarreling in the other room. I couldn't help .............................. them.
Correct!
Wrong!
11. Can you help me .............................. these plates?
Correct!
Wrong!
12. The joke was very funny. I couldn't help ............................
Correct!
Wrong!
Answers
- I tried to unlock the door but I couldn’t.
- She tried to get up.
- If the printer doesn’t work, try pressing the green button.
- ‘The tea is too strong.’ ‘Try adding some milk.’
- You need to cut your hair.
- Your hair needs cutting.
- You need to wash that carpet.
- The carpet needs cleaning.
- ‘I can’t turn my phone on.’ ‘Try charging it.’
- They were quarreling in the other room. I couldn’t help overhearing them.
- Can you help me to wash these plates?
- The joke was very funny. I couldn’t help laughing.
