Language Practice

Upper-intermediate

Grammar reference    Intermediate 09 Music and Emotions

Using verbs with -ing and infinitive
When one verb follows another verb, the second verb is either the -ing form or the
infinitive, with or without to.
He started studying English at the library.
My sister enjoys playing the drums.
I hope to go abroad next year.

Verb + -ing
Some verbs are followed by a verb in the -ing form.
I miss seeing you in class each week.
These verbs include:

adore can’t imagine involve

hate can’t stand (don’t) mind
love enjoy miss
like fancy
can’t help feel like

Verb + infinitive with to

Some verbs are followed by the infinitive with to.
Let’s arrange to get together next week.
These verbs include:

agree hope tend

aim learn (how) want
appear offer wish
arrange plan
expect refuse

Verb + object + infinitive with to

Some verbs are followed by an object plus the infinitive with to.
Please remind me to bring the book for you next week.
These verbs include:

advise encourage remind

allow expect teach
ask forbid tell
authorise need want

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 Language Practice
Upper-intermediate

Grammar reference    Intermediate 09

Music and Emotions (continued)
Make / let + object + infinitive without to
Make and let are followed by an object plus the infinitive without to.
Her mum made her stay home last night.
My boss let me have the day off.

Help + object + infinitive with or without to

help is followed by an object plus the infinitive with or without to.
Please help me carry this to the car.
Please help me to carry this to the car.

Changes of meaning
Some verbs are followed by -ing or the infinitive with to, but with a change
of meaning.
We use remember and forget plus -ing to talk about memories.
I’ll never forget seeing that film with my grandmother.
Do you remember going with us?
We use remember and forget plus the infinitive with to to say we do or don’t
do something.
I remembered to buy the milk at the store, but I forgot to get the bread.
We use regret plus -ing to express regret about something in the past.
I really regret telling the secret to my neighbour.
We use regret plus the infinitive with to to express regret about something
we are just about to do, especially in formal contexts.
We regret to inform you that the flight has been delayed.
We use stop plus -ing when we stop an action.
My sister stopped having dairy when the doctor told her she was allergic.
We use stop plus the infinitive with to, to give the reason why we stop another action.
Did you stop to buy milk on the way home?