Grammar Notes

1. Infinitives
A. Use a to-infinitive after the following verbs: agree, decide, expect, happen, manage, pretend, promise, tend, and want.
B. Use a to-infinitive after the following verbs plus their object: advise, allow, expect, forbid, want, force, and tell.
C. Use an infinitive without to after the following verbs plus their object: have, let, make, feel, see, hear, and watch.
D. When using a negative word, put it before the infinitive or gerund.

- He decided to finish his work at home.
- He did not allow his employees to use their cell phones while at work.
- The company let staff choose which workshop they would attend.
- In order not to lose customers, we should consider investing in marketing.

2. Gerunds
Use an —ing form after the following verbs: appreciate, avoid, can’t help, deny, enjoy, feel like, give up, imagine, mind and postpone.

- We have postponed meeting with the shareholders for now.
- I enjoyed meeting you at the trade show last month.

3. Choosing Between Infinitives and Gerunds
The following verbs allow both a to-infinitive form and an -ing form: remember, forget, stop, regret, and try.The choice of a to-infinitive or an -ing form depends on the meaning.

- The manager stopped to check on the new employees.
→ The manager checked on the new employees before going to do something else.
- The manager stopped checking on the new employees.
→ The manager no longer checks on the new employees.

4. The Form of Pronouns Before Infinitives and Gerunds
A. Use an objective pronoun with a to-infinitive.
B. Use a possessive pronoun with a gerund.

- Martha expects him to help her with the projections.
- Even though Patrick was a novice, the manager allowed him to run the machinery.
- I appreciate your telling him about the situation.
- I asked my boss if he minded my leaving work 10 minutes early.