Mastering English Verb Patterns: Gerunds and Infinitives

Mastering English Verb Patterns and Sentence Structure

This practice set focuses on correcting common grammatical errors, particularly those involving verb forms (gerunds and infinitives), capitalization, and punctuation. Review these fixed sentences to solidify your understanding of essential English structures.

Verbs Requiring the Gerund (-ing)

• This film is worth watching.
• I'm looking forward to taking some great photos.
• I started working here eight years ago.
• His new order means working overtime.
• I avoided bumping into the car in front by braking.
• John suggested going to see the new play tonight.
• I feel like going to an Indian restaurant.
• I love playing tennis but I dislike watching it.
• I can't imagine getting good marks at the end of the term.
• I couldn't help laughing when I heard the joke.
• One day you will regret wasting your time.
• I can't prevent her from talking to the press.
• I wouldn't mind going on a cruise in the Caribbean.
• He couldn't resist showing off his new car.
• She risks losing her job for working so little.

Verbs Requiring the Infinitive (to + verb)

• It's up to us to end environmental disasters.
• I expect her to come any minute now.
• Music is used to encourage shoppers to buy more.
• She warned us not to get into trouble.
• The party turned out to be a success.
• The new durable and lightweight running shoes allowed athletes to train longer.
• That man seems to be following us.
• I don't want her to marry that boy.
• I don't like you to shout at me.
• I want him to come with me tonight.
• I didn't tell her to leave; I told her to stay.
• Did you ask your brother to come to the party?
• I won't forget to phone you.
• Would you like to come with me? I would love to.
• He couldn't afford to buy a new car.
• I wanted my friend to come to the party.
• Do you want me to write the letter today?
• Do you want me to tell you what happened?
• What does he mean to do if he is elected?
• Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.

Mixed Structures and Specific Usage

Causative and Perception Verbs

• Burglars made my aunt give them her jewels. (Causative: make + base verb)

Verbs Changing Meaning (Regret, Stop, Try)

• She hasn't stopped smoking yet. (Stopped the action)
• I regret spending so much money. (Regret a past action)
• I regret to inform you that your father has passed away. (Formal notification)
• I clearly remember closing the windows. (Remembering a past action)
• I tried using the new method, but it didn't work. (Tried/Experimented)

Habits and Preferences

• The children usually play in the parks.
• When I was a child, I didn't use to watch cartoons.
• When I was living in Palma, I used to go swimming every day.
• I would recommend taking pros and cons into consideration.
• I love going on holiday, but I miss seeing my friends.
• I prefer studying to working.
• I'm not used to getting up so early.

Advanced Sentence Construction

• If you keep trying, in the end, you will succeed.
• She has just finished doing her homework.
• Children have stopped acting up, and they have fallen asleep.
• Doing the exam shouldn't take you more than an hour and a half.
• Apart from having difficulties with the language, he is slow.
• My sister didn't use to be afraid of spiders until she saw a tarantula.
• She is very good at solving problems.
• They'd better not be so careless.
• In addition to working nights, she goes to university in the afternoon.