Infinitives or -ing forms?

Some verbs and adjectives can be followed by either an –ing form or an infinitive. However, in some cases only one of these two structures is possible.

Complete the following sentences using an –ing form or infinitive.

1. I started ……………….. when I was 18.

a) working

b) to work

c) either could be used here

2. I am proud …………………………..

a) to have won

b) of having won

c) either could be used here

3. I still remember ………………………… my first paycheck.

a) getting

b) to get

c) either could be used here

4. I forgot …………………….. the car.

a) to lock

b) locking

c) either could be used here

5. You must remember ……………………….. me a call when you have finished.

a) to give

b) giving

c) either could be used here

6. I regret ………………………. out of school at twelve.

a) dropping

b) to drop

c) either could be used here

7. I wouldn’t advise …………………….. a new car.

a) buying

b) to buy

c) either could be used here

8. In many countries, people are not allowed …………………… in public places.

a) to smoke

b) smoking

c) either could be used here

9. If you want to succeed, it will mean …………………….. hard.

a) working

b) to work

c) either could be used here

10. I hate …………………….. on weekends.

a) to work

b) working

c) either could be used here

Answers

1. I started to work / working when I was 18.

2. I am proud of having won / to have won.

3. I still remember getting my first paycheck.

4. I forgot to lock the car.

5. You must remember to give me a call when you have finished.

6. I regret dropping out of school at twelve.

7. I wouldn’t advice buying a new car.

8. In many countries people are not allowed to smoke in public places.

9. If you want to succeed it will mean working hard.

10. I hate to work / working on weekends.