Some verbs can be followed by an –ing form or an infinitive. There is little difference of meaning. After some verbs, we can use an –ing form, but not normally an infinitive.

Complete the following sentences using an –ing form or an infinitive. In some cases, they are both possible.

1. I enjoy …………………….

a) to travel

b) traveling

c) Either could be used here

2. My father has given up ……………………….

a) to smoke

b) smoking

c) Either could be used here

3. Have you finished …………………… the car?

a) mending

b) to mend

c) Either could be used here

4. The doctor suggested …………………… a short break.

a) taking

b) to take

c) Either could be used here

5. You ought ………………….. your parents and teachers.

a) obeying

b) to obey

c) Either could be used here

6. I need …………………… a new job.

a) to find

b) finding

c) Either could be used here

7. They refused …………………… me in.

a) to let

b) letting

c) Either could be used here

8. The thought of ………………….. never entered his head.

a) to fail

b) failing

c) Either could be used here

9. She was proud ……………………

a) of having won

b) to have won

c) Either could be used here

10. I look forward to ………………….. from you.

a) hearing

b) hear

c) Either could be used here

Answers

1. I enjoy traveling.

2. My father has given up smoking.

3. Have you finished mending the car?

4. The doctor suggested taking a short break.

5. You ought to obey your parents and teachers.

6. I need to find a new job.

7. They refused to let me in.

8. The thought of failing never entered his head.

9. She was proud of having won / to have won.

10. I look forward to hearing from you.