In English, you can often alter the form of a verb to use it as an object of another verb. There are two forms this can take: the infinitive, or the gerund (-ing) form. Which form you need to use largely depends on which verb you are using as the main verb. In this lesson, you will review the basic forms and meanings of infinitive and gerunds as objects of other verbs.
Infinitives
Some verbs must be followed by an infinitive.
- Jackie decided to work for one year before she started university.
- The movie theatre is preparing to reopen sometime next month.
- I think that my friends will offer to help if I ask them.
If the infinitive verb is negative, add not.
- They originally had planned not to work overtime this weekend, but they did in the end.
- Promise not to use all the red peppers; I need some for the salad.
- The actors agreed not to give any details about the upcoming film.
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