Perfect English Grammar

Several students have asked me when to use infinitive with to, without to or gerund after another verb. The problem is that in most cases there is no explanation. It's just because.

Of course, we know we mustn't use to after auxiliary verbs (with the exception of ought to), but that's about it.

Besides, there are verbs that can be followed by both infinitive and gerund, and in some cases the meaning changes. Look at the examples below:

- I remembered to do my homework and the teacher was very pleased. (I didn't forget)

- I remember playing with my sister when we were little. (a memory)

And one more thing: remember that to let and to make are followed by infinitive without to:

- My parents don't let me go out after ten. I'm so fed up!

- She made me tell her what I knew about George and when I did she started crying.

The link below will take you to some exercises, but there are more on the same page:

https://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/gerunds-and-infinitives-exercise-1.html

 

I hope this helps.

 

Listening Comprehension Exercise. C2.1

Please answer the questions below in the comment section. I'll post the correct answers in a few days.

 

1. Why do astronauts find it difficult to communicate without words?

2. According to Hank, what could happen to you if you used the 'come here' gesture in the Philippines ?

3. What have scientific studies proved about life expectancy?

4. What do most psychologists think about facial expressions?

5. What does Hank say about Botox?

6. How many human emotions are there according to Izard? Can you name some of them?

7. What superlative of angry does Hank use?

8. What three stressors does he mention?

9. Is stress always bad?

10. What happened to the 40 accountants in the study?

 

It goes without saying, but please watch it without subtitles.

 

If you like this kind of video (there are lots on many different topics) go to: https://thecrashcourse.com/ 

It's totally free.

 

And one final question: do you know what famous person Hank is related to?

 

The blog

Dear all,

I know some of you write on the blog regularly, some others from time to time and some of you just look at it for various reasons (technical problems, you don't have time, you think you won't do it well enough...) However,  whether you use or don't use the blog, I respect it, of course.

As most of you have never had me as a teacher before, I want to explain a few things.

Well, basically this:

My answers are not always the same:

- sometimes I correct all your mistakes

- sometimes only the most important

- other times I simply interact with you 

- and finally, there are times when I answer several students at the same time.

The reasons for this are twofold, as I told Cristina yesterday. Methodologically speaking, I am of the opinion that correcting students constantly is not the best way to teach a language because it might reduce fluency and diminish self-confidence in some people. And the second part is more prosaic: I'm being selfish. I have no time. I need 72-hour days, at least.

Thanks for your understanding. I will keep on doing my best to offer you varied materials that will hopefully be useful for you.

Enjoy the long weekend,

MJ