Ing Form vs. Infinitive

Gerunds are forms like singing, playing, working and eating. Infinitives are forms like (to) sing, (to) play, (to) work and (to) eat. Note that the infinitive is usually used with the marker to.

Review this lesson to learn the difference between gerunds and infinitives.

Fill in the blanks with a gerund or infinitive.

1. They refused ………………………….. with us. (cooperating / to cooperate)

2. She has promised ……………………….. (coming / to come)

3. My parents disapproved of my decision ……………………….. abroad. (to go / going)

4. He never hesitates ……………………… the poor and the needy. (to help / helping)

5. She objected to my ………………………… her alone. (leaving / to leave)

6. She is eager ……………………… (to please / pleasing)

7. The religious girl wanted ………………………. a convent. (to join / joining)

8. She is anxious ………………………. (to leave / leaving)

9. We were shocked …………………….. the news. (to hear / hearing)

10. It takes a lot of time ……………………. a new language. (to learn / learning)

11. They do not allow their children ……………………… to parties. (to go / going)

12. I am happy ………………………. (to assist / assisting)

13. She works hard ……………………….. money. (to earn / earning)

14. We look forward to ………………………… you. (visit / visiting)

Answers

1. to cooperate, 2. to come, 3. to go, 4. to help, 5. leaving, 6. to please, 7. to join, 8. to leave, 9. to hear, 10. to learn, 11. to go, 12. to assist, 13. to earn, 14. visiting