In-Depth Tips from Dr English
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Verb + Gerund or Verb + Infinitive |
17 May 2022
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There is very little logic behind the correct choice to make. After some verbs, such as “to enjoy” or “to drink”, we must use a gerund, while after others, such as “to hope” or “to promise”, an infinitive must follow.
What makes all this even more complicated is that with some verbs, for example “to stop”, both forms can be used and indicate a totally different meaning:
There is one fairly simple rule to help you though; after a preposition, any preposition – including “to” – you must use a gerund. So:
Finally, there are some common expressions that are always followed by a gerund. These include: “it’s no use...”, “it’s no good...”, “it’s not worth...”, and “to have difficulty (in)...”:
(meaning changes)
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