Infinitives and gerunds - verb patterns

I'm not very good at ____ sports.

• playing

• to play

• play

Which verb is NEVER followed by an infinitive?

• love

• begin

• deny

She offered ____ me.

• to help

• helping

• help

We've decided _____ soon.

• to leave

• leaving

• leave

In which sentence can you write: having?

• ___ children will change your life.

• I stopped work ___ a cup of coffee.

• Fiona decided ___ a shower after dinner.

You promised ____ the children to the cinema.

• taking

• to take

• take

Answer explanation

In this context, "promised" is followed by an infinitive (to take) to indicate what action is promised to be done in the future. Therefore, option b, "to take," is the most appropriate choice.

Complete the sentence. I was driving to town when I saw Hannah walking on the pavement, so I stopped…

• for give her a lift.

• giving her a lift

• to give her a lift.

You should avoid ____ to strangers.

• talking

• to talk

• talk

Answer explanation

In this context, "avoid" is followed by a gerund (talking) to indicate the action that's to be avoided. Therefore, "talking," is the most appropriate choice.

Which verb cannot fill in the blank below?

We _________ to sit at the table by the window.

• asked

• prefer

• enjoy

Answer explanation

The verb "enjoy" should be followed with the gerund- sitting. Therefore, enjoy cannot fill in the blank.

Have you finished ____ the house?

• cleaning

• to clean

• clean