10

UNIT

Gerunds
Infinitives

A worker maintains the

paint on a ship at sea.

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 Job seekers attend the
Big East Career Fair at
Madison Square Garden
in New York, U.S. The fair
is for students and alumni
from ten specific schools
on the east coast.

FINDING a JOB
Read the following article. Pay special attention to the words in bold. 10.1

Finding a job in the United States takes time and effort. Here are some tips1 to help you:
• Write
 a good résumé. Include only relevant2 experience. Describe your
accomplishments3. Avoid including unnecessary information. Consider asking
a friend to read your résumé to check it for grammar and spelling mistakes.
• Find
 out about available jobs. One way is by looking on the Internet. Another way is by
networking. Networking means exchanging information with anyone you know who
might know of a job. These people might be able to give you insider information about a
company, such as who is in charge of hiring and what it is like to work at their company.
You can find out about a job before it is even advertised. The Wall Street Journal reports
that 94 percent of people who succeed in finding a job say that networking was a big help.
• Practice
 before you go for an interview. The more prepared you are, the more relaxed
you will feel and the more you will convey4 confidence. If you are worried about
saying or doing the wrong thing, practice will help.
• Learn something about the company by going to the company’s website.
• Arrive
 at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your interview. Feeling relaxed
is important. Arriving on time or just a few minutes before the interview doesn’t give
you time to relax.

1 tip: useful information

2 relevant: closely connected
3 accomplishment: a difficult thing done well
4 to convey: to communicate

260 Unit 10

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 • Behave professionally during the interview. Avoid chewing gum. Turn off your cell
phone completely.
• Avoid saying anything negative about your current job or employer.
• One question might be, “Tell me something about yourself.” Instead of talking
about your personal life, focus on your skills and work experience. Answer each
question concisely5. Avoid giving long answers.
• At the end of the interview, offer a firm handshake. Thanking the interviewer by
letter or email a few days later is a good idea.
Some people send out hundreds of résumés and go on dozens of interviews before
finding a job. Looking for a job isn’t something you do just once or twice in your lifetime.

5 concisely: using few words to communicate

COMPREHENSION Based on the reading, write T for true or F for false.

1. Networking means getting information from the Internet.
2. Arriving right on time to an interview is a good idea.
3. Thanking the interviewer with a handshake is enough.

THINK ABOUT IT Discuss the questions with a partner or in a small group.

1. What networking opportunities exist today for people who are looking for work?
2. I f an interviewer asked you to describe your greatest weakness, what could you say that would also show
something positive about you?

10.1 Gerunds—An Overview

A gerund is the –ing form of a verb.
EXAMPLES EXPLANATION
A gerund (phrase) can be:
Finding a job is hard. • the subject of a sentence.
I recommend talking to a job counselor. • the object of the verb.
Are you thinking about changing careers? • the object of a preposition.
I’m worried about not getting a good job. We put not in front of a gerund to make it negative.
Note:
A gerund phrase is a gerund + a noun or noun phrase.
• finding a job    • exchanging information    • preparing for a job interview

Gerunds, Infinitives 261

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 EXERCISE 1 Listen to these tips about how to be successful at your job. Then write T for true or F for
10.2
false.

1. You should speak up if you are unhappy about working on a project.

2. If you practice talking confidently, you can become better at it.

3. You should be direct about your weaknesses.

EXERCISE 2 Listen to the tips again. Fill in the blanks with the words you hear. 10.2

You care about keeping your job. You may not be aware things that
1. 2.

can make your supervisor think less of you. So here are a few tips:

• Avoid about things you have to do. If you dislike on

3. 4.

a project, keep it to yourself. Don't say, “It’s not my job.” Even if you don’t like
5.

it, do it anyway .
6.

• Practice positive words to show confidence and a good attitude.

7.

“It’s not fair” makes you sound like a child.

8.

• Get used strong words. Instead , “I think I

9. 10.

can do the job,” simply say, “I can do the job. When do you need the work done?” Most people don’t

know how they sound. Consider a friend listen to the way you talk. Or
11.

try yourself and analyzing what you say.

12.

• Don’t point out your weaknesses. “I’m not good reports” sounds bad. Instead
13.

say, “I want to do a good job. I’d like to work with someone who can help me learn to write better reports.”

• a coworker that you don't like a supervisor is not a good idea. You never
14.

know what this person might say to the supervisor.

• If you’re interested more tips on good job behavior, there are books and
15.

online sources that can give you more information.

262 Unit 10

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10.2 Gerunds as Subjects
EXAMPLES EXPLANATION
Using positive words conveys confidence. We can use a gerund or gerund phrase as the subject
Not dressing appropriately gives a bad impression. of the sentence.
Exchanging ideas with friends is helpful. A gerund subject takes a singular verb.
Visiting company websites pays off.

EXERCISE 3 Use the gerund form of one of the verbs from the box to complete each sentence.

arrive wear feel know get network prepare select

1. Getting a good night’s sleep will help you feel rested and alert for an interview.

2. with other people will improve your chances of finding a job.

3.  your clothes the night before the interview is a good idea.

4. a good résumé is very important. Some people use a résumé service.

5. something about the company will help you make a good impression.

6. Not serious clothes to the interview will give a very bad impression.

7. early for an interview will give you time to relax.

8. relaxed before an interview is important.

ABOUT YOU Fill in the blanks with the gerund form of the verb given. Then tell if this behavior is or isn’t
common in a work situation in your country.

1. Socializing with the boss (is/isn’t) common.

socialize

2. the boss by his or her first name (is/isn’t) acceptable.

call

3. with coworkers (is/isn’t) common.

socialize

4. on time (is/isn’t) very important.

arrive

5. a personal computer at a job (is/isn’t) common.

use

6. jeans to the office (is/isn’t) acceptable.

wear

7. a long lunch break (is/isn’t) the custom.

take

8. from home (is/isn’t) common.

work

9. coffee or tea while working (is/isn’t) acceptable.

drink

10. early on Friday afternoons (is/isn’t) common.

leave

Gerunds, Infinitives 263

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 ABOUT YOU In preparing for an interview, it is good to think about the following questions. Give some
thought to your answers and compare them with a partner’s answers.

1. What are your strengths?

working well with others; learning quickly; thinking fast in difficult situations

2. What are some of your weaknesses?

3. List your accomplishments and achievements. (They can be achievements in jobs, sports, school, etc.)

4. What are your short-term goals?

5. What are your long-term goals?

6. What are some things you like in a job situation? (personalities, tasks, environments, types of work)

7. What are some things you dislike? (personalities, tasks, environments, types of work)

EXERCISE 4 Work with a partner to write sentences about behaviors during an interview that would hurt
your chances of getting a job.

1. Chewing gum during the interview looks bad.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

264 Unit 10

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10.3 Gerunds as Objects
EXAMPLES EXPLANATION
Do you enjoy working on a team? A gerund (phrase) can be the object of many verbs.
Avoid complaining about your supervisor.
I went shopping for work clothes last weekend. We use go + gerund in expressions of recreational
After work, I like to go swimming. activities.
A gerund (phrase) can follow these verbs:
admit dislike love quit
appreciate enjoy mind recommend
avoid finish miss start
begin hate postpone stop
consider imagine practice suggest
continue keep (on) prefer
discuss like put off
We use go + gerund in the following expressions:
go boating go camping go fishing go hunting
go jogging go shopping go skating go swimming
go bowling go dancing go hiking go skiing

Notes:
I mind means that something bothers me. I don’t mind means that something is OK with me; it
1. 
doesn’t bother me.
Do you mind wearing a suit to work? No, I don’t mind.
2. Put off means “postpone.”
Don’t put off writing your résumé. Do it now.

*For a list of verbs followed by gerunds, see Appendix D.

EXERCISE 5 Use the gerund form of a verb from the box to complete each conversation.

answer shop find say get be do

work wear go act discuss talk read

1. A: I want to quit my boring job. I dislike doing the same thing every day.
a.

B: I suggest another job before you quit. I can’t imagine

b. c.

without a job.

2. A: Interviewing for a job scares me. I hate about my strengths.

a.

B: Have you considered help from a job counselor? You can practice
b. c.

common interview questions. I have a good book about job hunting. When I finish
d.

it, you can borrow it.

continued

Gerunds, Infinitives 265

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 3. A: I have to wear a suit for my new job.

B: I dislike anything but jeans.

a.

A: Me, too. I have to go for some new clothes. Can you help me pick something out?
b.

B: Sorry. I don’t have time. I suggest to a store and asking the salesperson to help you.
c.

4. A: I really like my job.

B: What do you like about it?

A: I enjoy on a team. The people on my team are smart and creative. I like
a.

how to do a project with them.

b.

5. A: My boss always asks me to do something that isn’t my job. Sometimes I have to tell her, “It’s not fair.”

B: Stop “It’s not fair” and just do it. Quit like a child.
a. b.

ABOUT YOU Use the words below to make statements about yourself regarding jobs. Share your
answers with a partner.

1. I hate getting up every morning at 5 for my job.

2. I enjoy

3. I don’t mind

4. I’ve considered

5. I can’t imagine

6. I avoid

7. I began

EXERCISE 6 Make a list of suggestions and recommendations for someone looking for a job or about to
go on a job interview. Discuss your list with a partner.

1. I recommend getting a good night’s sleep the night before the interview.
2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

266 Unit 10

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10.4 Preposition + Gerund
A gerund can follow certain verb + preposition or adjective + preposition combinations.
COMMON VERB + PREPOSITION COMBINATIONS EXAMPLES
verb + about care about My sister dreams about becoming an engineer.
complain about
dream about
forget about
know about
talk about
think about
worry about
verb + to look forward to I look forward to getting a job and saving money.
object to
verb + on depend on I plan on going to a career counselor.
insist on
plan on
verb + in believe in My father succeeded in finding a good job.
succeed in
verb + object + from stop + . . . + from No one can stop you from following your dream.
COMMON ADJECTIVE + PREPOSITION COMBINATIONS EXAMPLES
adjective + of afraid of I’m afraid of losing my job.
capable of
guilty of
proud of
tired of
adjective + about concerned about He is upset about not getting the job.
excited about
upset about
worried about
sad about
adjective + for responsible for Who is responsible for hiring in this company?
famous for
adjective + to + object + for grateful to . . . for I’m grateful to you for helping me find a job.
adjective + at good at I’m not very good at writing a résumé.
successful at
adjective + to accustomed to I’m not accustomed to talking about my strengths.
used to
adjective + in interested in Are you interested in getting a better job?
successful in

Note:
In general, you can use a gerund after any preposition.
What is your method of preparing for an interview?
It’s hard to do well at an interview without practicing.

*For a list of verbs and adjectives followed by a preposition, see Appendix E.

Gerunds, Infinitives 267

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 EXERCISE 7 Fill in the blanks with a preposition and the gerund form of a verb from the box.

talk do work complain get help

be practice tell hear go connect

1. A: I plan on going to India for a year to work in a clinic as a physician assistant.

a.

B: That’s great. You’ve talked a lot other people. This is your chance.
b.

A: When I get back, I’d like to go to medical school, but it’s so expensive. I’m worried not
c.

financial aid.
d.

B: With your experience in India, you’re a good candidate for financial aid.

2. A: I have an interview next week. I’m afraid not well.

a. b.

B: Have you thought for the interview?

c.

A: No, I haven’t. I don’t know how to do that.

B: I have a friend who has a lot of experience with job interviews. Are you interested
d.

with her? She can give you good tips. I can set up a meeting for you. (A few weeks later. . .)

A: I’m grateful to you me with your friend. She helped me a lot.

e.

3. A: Some people complain long hours. But I don’t even have a job.
a.

I’m upset unemployed for so long.

b.

B: How long have you been unemployed?

A: For almost six months. I’m worried the interviewer about my long
c.

unemployment. It might hurt my chances of getting a job.

4. A: A coworker of mine always insists about the boss. She hates the boss.
a.

B: Tell her you’re not interested her complaints.

b.

ABOUT YOU Fill in the blanks with a preposition + gerund or noun phrase to complete each statement
about jobs. Share your answers with a partner.

1. I’m afraid of losing my job.

2. I’m not accustomed

3. Coworkers often talk

4. After work, I’m (not) interested

268 Unit 10

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5. I worry

6. I’m proud

7. I'm not used

8. On Fridays, most workers look forward

EXERCISE 8 Fill in the blanks with the gerund form of the verb given. Some of the blanks need a
preposition before the gerund. If so, add the preposition.

A: I need to find a job. I’ve had 10 interviews, but so far no job.

B: Have you thought about practicing for the interview? You can practice
1. practice 2. answer

questions that the interviewer might ask you. Many interviewers ask the same general ­questions. For

example, the interviewer will probably ask you to name your strengths.

A: I dislike about myself.

3. talk

B: But it’s necessary. And she’ll probably ask you to name your weaknesses, too.

A: What should I say? I’m afraid the truth about my weaknesses.

4. tell

B: There’s a way to make your answer sound positive. For example, “I’m a perfectionist. I worry

in a project with mistakes. But I plan careful so that

5. turn 6. be

I meet deadlines.”

A: Wow! That sounds more like a strength than a weakness.

B: That’s the idea. Here’s another possible question: “Do you mind overtime to finish
7. stay

a project?”

A: Will I have to work overtime? I’ll have to get a babysitter for my son.

B: Don’t complain a babysitter. Don’t mention personal problems.

8. get

A: It feels like I’m never going to find a job. I’m tired .

9. look

B: Be patient. If you keep , you’ll succeed a job.

10. try 11. find

I suggest a book that gives you sample interview questions.

12. get

A: Thanks so much. I’m grateful to you me so much help.

13. give

Gerunds, Infinitives 269

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 Employees gather for a group cheer
just before opening a store during a
busy holiday shopping weekend.

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT
Read the following article. Pay special attention to the words in bold. 10.3

Do you like to go to work? Or are you glad to leave physically. More work is not necessarily better
at the end of the day? If you have a full-time job, you work. Some experts believe that workers need a
probably spend most of your waking hours at work. break every 90 minutes. Some companies
It would be nice to spend that time in a pleasant have fitness facilities and nap rooms for their
atmosphere, right? employees.
3. Workers want to be able to focus on one thing at a
According to a survey, 70 percent of Americans time. Too often, managers want them to do several
are not happy at work. They often feel job burnout: things at once. The result is workers get stressed
physical and mental stress. Some of them can’t wait to out, and their work suffers.
get home, but they often take their stress home with 4. Workers want to feel that they are doing something
them to their families. meaningful. They want to be excited about what
they’re doing.
When workers are happy, they do a better job, and
the company gains from this. What makes workers Employers need to choose a job candidate who fits
happy? The answer is “employee engagement.” the company’s mission1. A worker who doesn’t fit in is
Researchers have been studying what makes a worker likely2 to quit. It takes time and costs money to train a
feel engaged. Engaged employees are enthusiastic new employee. So it’s important for a company to hire
about their work. Researchers have found that it takes a the right people and make the work atmosphere fun
combination of things to build an engaged workforce: and meaningful.

1. Employees need to feel that the boss appreciates

their work. 1 mission: purpose
2 is likely: is probably going to
2. Workers need to take breaks during the day.
When people work continuously, they feel worse

270 Unit 10

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COMPREHENSION Based on the reading, write T for true or F for false.
1. One way to promote employee engagement is for the employer to show the employee appreciation.
2. The majority of Americans are happy to go to work.
3. It is expensive for a company to train a new employee.

THINK ABOUT IT Discuss the questions with a partner or in a small group.

1. W
 hat type of job do you think would make you feel engaged? For example, would you like a job that
encourages teamwork? Or would you feel more engaged in a job that requires mostly independent work?
2. Reread point 2 in the reading. What are some creative ways employers could offer employees breaks at work?

10.5 Infinitives—An Overview

An infinitive is to + the base form of a verb.
EXAMPLES EXPLANATION
We can use an infinitive after:
Are you happy to go to work? • certain adjectives.
I need to take a break. • certain verbs.
It’s important to hire the right people. • expressions beginning with it.
They decided not to hire me. To make an infinitive negative, we put not before the infinitive.

Note:
When we connect two infinitives with and, we usually omit to after and.
He wants to take a break and rest.

EXERCISE 9 Fill in the blanks with the words you hear. 10.4

It’s important to write a good, clear résumé. It’s only necessary

1.

your most recent and related work. Employers are busy people. Don’t
2.

expect them long résumés.

3.

You need your abilities in your résumé. Employers expect you

4.

action verbs your experience. Don’t begin your

5. 6.

sentences with I. Use past-tense verbs such as: managed, designed, created, and developed. It’s

not enough you improved something. Be specific. How did you improve it?
7.

Before making copies of your résumé, it’s important the grammar and
8.

spelling. Employers want if you have good communication skills. Ask a

9.

friend or teacher your résumé and check for mistakes.

10.

continued

Gerunds, Infinitives 271

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 It isn’t necessary references. If the employer wants you
11.

references, he or she will ask you so during or

12. 13.

after the interview.

Don’t include personal information such as marital status, age, race, family information, or

hobbies.

Be honest in your résumé. Employers can check your information. No one wants

a liar.
14.

10.6 Infinitives after Expressions with It

EXAMPLES EXPLANATION
It’s important to write a good résumé. An infinitive phrase can follow certain expressions
It isn’t necessary to include all your experience. beginning with it.
It’s a good idea to practice before an interview.
It's important for managers to show appreciation. We use for + a noun or object pronoun to make a
It was hard for me to leave my last job. statement that is true of a specific person or people.
It takes patience to find a job. We can use an infinitive after take + time, patience, or
It took me three weeks to finish my project. money. We can add an object before the infinitive.
It costs a lot of money to train a new worker. We can use an infinitive after cost + (object) + money.
It cost me $100 to use a résumé service.
It’s important to do a good job. There is no difference in meaning between an infinitive
Doing a good job is important. after an it expression and a gerund subject.
We often use an infinitive after it + be + these words:
dangerous expensive a good/bad idea impossible/possible
difficult fun hard necessary
easy a good/bad experience important a pleasure

EXERCISE 10 Fill in the blanks with the infinitive form of a verb from the box.

practice check have describe arrive write include dress

1. It’s necessary to have a Social Security card.

2. W hen you write a résumé, it isn’t necessary all your previous experience.

Choose only the most recent and related experience.

272 Unit 10

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3. It’s important your spelling and grammar before sending a résumé.

4. It’s important your past work experience in detail, using words

like managed, designed, supervised, and built.

5. It takes time a good résumé.

6. It’s a good idea interview questions before going to an interview.

7. It’s important your best when you go to an interview, so choose

your clothes carefully.

8. It’s a good idea early for your interview.

EXERCISE 11 Complete each statement with an infinitive phrase to talk about work. You can add an
object, if you like.

1. It’s easy to get information about a company online.

2. It’s necessary for me to work overtime once a month.
3. It’s important

4. It’s impossible

5. It’s possible

6. It’s a pleasure

7. It isn’t a good idea

8. It’s hard

10.7 Infinitives after Adjectives

EXAMPLES EXPLANATION
Are you available to work overtime? An infinitive (phrase) can follow certain adjectives.
A happy worker is likely to stay with the company.
An infinitive can follow these adjectives:
afraid glad lucky proud sorry
available happy prepared ready surprised
*For a list of adjectives followed by infinitives, see Appendix D.

Gerunds, Infinitives 273

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 EXERCISE 12 Complete the conversation with the appropriate infinitive form of a verb from the box.

help talk show go have answer wait say

A: I have my first interview tomorrow. I’m afraid to go alone. Would you go with me?
1.

B: I’d be happy in the car. But nobody can go with you to an interview.
2.

You have to do it alone. It sounds like you’re not ready a job interview.
3.

You should see a job counselor and get some practice before you have an interview.

A: I don’t have time. Maybe you can help me.

B: I’d be happy you. We can go over some basic questions. Here’s one question you
4.

should be ready : “Why are you leaving your present job?”

5.

A: I’m afraid anything about my present job. I don’t like my supervisor.

6.

B: Never say that! I’d be happy you a few good websites that will give you typical
7.

questions and good answers.

A: Thanks. I’m glad you were available to me this afternoon. I feel better already.
8.

10.8 Infinitives after Verbs

EXAMPLES EXPLANATION
I need to find a better job. An infinitive (phrase) can follow certain verbs.
I want to make more money.
An infinitive can follow these verbs:
agree decide learn remember begin* love*
attempt expect need try continue* prefer*
begin forget plan want hate* start*
choose hope promise would like like*
Notes:
1. A gerund can also follow these verbs* with little or no difference in meaning. See chart 10.3.
I love to work with children. = I love working with children.
2. Plan on + gerund is the same as plan + infinitive.
I plan on seeing a counselor. = I plan to see a counselor.
3. Remember that in some expressions, to is part of a verb phrase, not part of an infinitive.
I look forward to starting my new job. (verb + to + gerund)
I need to write a résumé. (verb + infinitive)

*For a list of verbs followed by infinitives, see Appendix D.

274 Unit 10

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EXERCISE 13 Fill in the blanks with the infinitive form of a verb from the box.

feel take go ask find sleep

work get be hear have

A: How’s your new job?

B: I really like it. It’s a great company. We can take a break every two hours. And we even have a nap room.

Sometimes people need to sleep for a few minutes.

1.

A: I’ve never heard of a nap room. I would like a nap in the middle of the
2.

day. I usually start tired around two o’clock, but I have to keep working.
3.

How’s your boss?

B: She’s wonderful. She includes us on company decisions. Employees want

4.

like their opinion is important, don’t you think?

A: Yes, I do.

B: It’s fun for me to work. After six months on the job, we can choose
5.

from home, too. But I prefer

6. 7.

with my team members at the office.

A: You’re lucky such a good job. My job is terrible.

8.

B: I’m sorry that.

9.

A: I need a new job. Do you know if your company is hiring?

10.

B: I don’t know. But I promise on Monday morning.

11.

ABOUT YOU Work with a partner who has a job. Use the phrases to ask a question.
Your partner will answer.

1. afraid/give your boss your opinion

A: Are you afraid to give your boss your opinion?
B: Yes, I am. or No, I'm not.
2. like/go to work every day
3. plan/stay at your job for a long time
4. expect/make a lot of money
5. need/work at home
6. hope/get a better position within the company
continued

Gerunds, Infinitives 275

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 7. like/socialize with your coworkers
8. try/keep up with changes in technology
9. want/work overtime
10. hate/get up in the morning to go to work

10.9 Objects before Infinitives

EXAMPLES EXPLANATION
I want my boss to appreciate my work. We can use an object noun or pronoun between some
My boss expects me to work overtime. verbs and an infinitive.
We can use an object between these verbs and an infinitive:
advise expect need want
allow help permit would like
ask invite tell

Note:
We can follow help by either an object + base form or an object + infinitive.
He helped me find a job.
He helped me to find a job.

EXERCISE 14 Fill in the blanks with pronouns and infinitives to complete the conversation.

A: I want to quit my job.

B: Why?

A: I don’t like my supervisor. He expects me to work at night and on weekends.

1. work

B: But you get extra pay for that, don’t you?

A: No. I asked me a raise, but he said the company can’t afford it.
2. give

B: Is that the only problem?

A: No. My coworkers and I like to go out for lunch. But he doesn’t want out. He
3. go

expects in the company cafeteria.

4. eat

B: That’s awful. He should permit wherever you want to.

5. eat

A: That’s what I think. I also have a problem with my team manager. She never gives anyone a

compliment. When I do a good job, I expect something nice. But she

6. say

only says something when I make a mistake.

276 Unit 10

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10.10 Infinitives to Show Purpose
EXAMPLES EXPLANATION
You can use the Internet in order to find job information. We use in order to + verb to show purpose.
I need a car in order to get to work.
You can use the Internet to find job information. To is the short form of in order to.
I need a car to get to work.

Note:
The purpose phrase can come before the main clause. If so, we often use a comma after the purpose phrase.
I need a car to get to work.
To get to work, I need a car.

GRAMMAR IN USE
To + verb is used to say why we do something. It gives the reason or purpose for an action. It can be used in any
tense.
Marilyn is calling to invite us for dinner.
Jeff has gone to the store to buy some milk.
I will call you tomorrow to see how you are.
All these statements answer the question Why?

EXERCISE 15 Fill in the blanks with an infinitive to show purpose. Answers will vary.

1. I bought the Sunday newspaper (in order) to look for a job.

2. I called the company an appointment.

3. She wants to work overtime more money.

4. You can use a résumé writing service your résumé.

5. My job is in a distant suburb. I need a car to work.

6. In the United States, you need experience a job, and you need a

job experience.

7. You need to practice well in an interview.

8. You should ask someone to read your résumé for you

sure you didn’t make any mistakes in grammar or spelling.

9. You should try networking your chances of finding a job.

Gerunds, Infinitives 277

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 10.11 Infinitives or Gerunds after Verbs
EXAMPLES EXPLANATION
I started looking for a job a month ago. We can follow these verbs with either a gerund or an
I started to look for a job a month ago. infinitive with almost no difference in meaning: begin,
continue, like, love, prefer, and start.
I was sleepy, so I stopped (in order) to get a cup Following stop with a gerund or infinitive affects the
of coffee. meaning.
Stop + infinitive means “stop one activity in order to
I stopped driving to work. Now I take public start something different.”
transportation. Stop + gerund means “quit.”
I used to be a teacher. Now I work in a hotel. Used to + base form tells about a past habit or custom.
This habit or custom has been discontinued.
I’m not used to talking about my strengths, but that’s Be used to + gerund, noun, or pronoun means be
what you have to do to find a job. accustomed to. Something is or was familiar to a person.
Get used to + gerund, noun, or pronoun means “become
At first it was hard for me, but I finally got used to accustomed to.”
working at night.

Notes:
1. The negative of used to + base form is didn’t use to. (We remove the d.)
I didn’t use to drive to work.
2.  The negative of be + used to + gerund, noun, or pronoun is isn’t/aren’t/wasn't/weren't used to. (We
do not remove the d.)
I’m not used to working on Saturdays.
3. The negative of get/got used to is usually can’t/couldn’t get used to.
He can’t get used to working at night.

* For a list of verbs followed by either gerunds or infinitives, see Appendix D.

EXERCISE 16 Circle the correct words to complete this story. In some cases, both choices are possible. If
that’s the case, circle both choices.

I was tired of driving to the office every day, so I started (to use/using) public transportation.
1.

But I was still wasting two hours a day. So my boss agreed to let me work from home a few days a

week. At first I had some difficulty. I (wasn’t used to being/didn’t use to be) alone all day, so I felt
2.

a bit lonely.

I had to get used to (stick/sticking) to a schedule. Every time the phone rang, I stopped
3.
(to answer/answering) it. Because I had a lot of work to do, I had to find a way to deal with
4.

278 Unit 10

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personal phone calls. I decided to stop (to answer/answering) the phone completely until I was
5.

finished with my day’s work. Now I return calls only in the evening.

I had the same problem with email and text messages. I usually prefer (to answer/answering) an
6.

email or text as soon as it comes in. But I was losing concentration. Now I stop (to work/working)
7.

every two hours, get a little exercise, answer my personal emails and texts, and then get back

to work.

Now (I used to work/I’m used to working) at home. I save time by not traveling, I save money
8.

on gas or public transportation, and I love (to set/setting) my own schedule.

9.

FUN WITH GRAMMAR

Write sentences with infinitives and gerunds. Get into teams. Your teacher will say a verb. Write a sentence
using the verb + an infinitive or the verb + a gerund. The team with the most creative sentence wins the point.
stop — We stopped on the way to school to get donuts for everyone.
Stop eating my fries and get your own!

Working from home requires discipline, but

can save you time and money.

Gerunds, Infinitives 279

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 SUMMARY OF UNIT 10
Gerunds
EXAMPLES USE OF GERUNDS
Working all day is hard. As the subject of the sentence
I like working on a team. As the object of the verb
I don’t enjoy working as a taxi driver. After certain verbs
I go shopping after work. In many idiomatic expressions with go
I’m worried about losing my job. After prepositions

Infinitives
EXAMPLES USE OF INFINITIVES
I need to find a new job. After certain verbs
My boss wants me to work overtime. After an object
I’m ready to quit. After certain adjectives
It’s important to have some free time. After certain expressions beginning with it
I work (in order) to support my family. To show purpose

Gerund or Infinitive—No Difference in Meaning

GERUND INFINITIVE
I like working with computers. I like to work with computers.
She began working at 8:30. She began to work at 8:30.
Writing a good résumé is important. It’s important to write a good résumé.

Gerund or Infinitive—Difference in Meaning

EXAMPLES USES
I used to work at night. Now I work in the day. Past habit

I’m used to working at night. It’s not a problem Customary activity

for me.
I stopped to make a personal phone call. Stop in order to do something else

Stop making personal phone calls at work. Quit completely

The boss won’t like it.

280 Unit 10

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REVIEW
F ill in the blanks with the gerund or infinitive form of the verb given. In some cases, both a gerund and
an infinitive are possible. Add a preposition where needed.

A: Hi, Molly. I haven’t seen you in ages. What’s going on in your life?

B: I’ve made many changes. First, I quit working in a factory. I disliked

1. work

the same thing every day. And I wasn’t used

2. do

on my feet all day. My boss often wanted me

3. stand 4. work

overtime on Saturdays. I need with my children on Saturdays.

5. be

A: So what do you plan ?

6. do

B: I’ve started some general courses at the community college.

7. take

A: What career are you planning?

B: I’m not sure. I’m interested with children. Maybe I’ll become a teacher’s
8. work

aide. I’ve also thought in a day-care center. I care

9. work

people.
10. help

A: It’s important a job that you like. So you’re starting a whole new career.
11. have

B: It’s not new, really. I used a kindergarten teacher back in my country.

12. be

But my English wasn’t very good when I came here, so I found a job in a factory. I look

forward back to my former profession.

13. go

A: How did you learn English so fast?

B: By with people at work and TV. But it

14. talk 15. watch

hasn’t been easy for me English. I studied formal English in my country,

16. understand

but here I have to get used things like “gonna” and “wanna.” I’ve had to
17. say

make a lot of changes.

A: Let’s get together sometime and talk some more.

B: I’d love to. Maybe we can go together sometime.

18. shop

Gerunds, Infinitives 281

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