I can’t stand watching the news on TV I hate seeing pictures of people suffering and I think the sensationalism and exploitation of the media is disgusting.

I hate being ignored. When I speak, I expect to be given the courtesy of receiving the attention of the person I’m talking to.

Driving and using a mobile phone at the same time is really annoying. Last week a saw a man with a mobile in one hand and lighting a cigarette with the other. How can a person drive safely without using any hands? It’s impossible to do safely!

Not telling the truth is probably the worst thing anyone can do to me. I hate people who use lies and dishonesty to get what they want in life.

I try hard not to notice, but it really bothers me when people pick their nose in public.

People who forget to say ‘thank you’ really annoy me. I don’t like to be taken for granted. Those two small words cost nothing and go a long way.

To take (s.o/s.t.) for granted = no darse cuenta de lo que
vale algo /dar algo por descontado.

a) A verb followed by an infinitive.

b) A verb followed by a passive infinitive.

c) A verb followed by an ‘-ing’ form.

d) '–ing' forms as the subject of the sentence. (eg. smoking is unhealthy.)

e) An ‘-ing form that is an adjective.

f) An infinitive after an adjective.

g) An ‘-ing’ form after a preposition.

h) An infinitive after a noun.

 

 

Infinitives

• Adjectives are normally followed by the infinitive (with 'to').
  It’s very easy to understand why politicians are so difficult to believe.

Some adjectives can be followed by the infinitive, or a preposition + the ‘-ing’ form. Prepositions are always followed by the ‘-ing’ form.
  I’m very interested in collecting old photographs.

• Many nouns are followed by the infinitive (with ‘to’).
  There is no reason to believe that Juan stole the money.

However, there are some nouns that are followed by ‘-ing’ or preposition + ‘ing’
  We had trouble finding the hotel.
  There’s no hope of seeing him alive.

• Many verbs are followed by the infinitive (with ‘to’).
  You seem to like your job in New York.

• Some verbs can have an object before the infinitive.
  I don’t want him to get the job.

• Some verbs must have an object.
  Did they invite us to go to their barbecue?

These verbs all have an object before the infinitive: tell, forbid, warn, advise, encourage, teach, force, allow, order, persuade, remind, permit, urge.

• Some verbs take an infinitive without 'to', especially modal verbs (can, could, may, might, must, will, would, shall, should)
  I must buy some more milk.

We also use the infinitive without ‘to’ after let, make, would rather and had better.
  I’d better go now, it’s late.

  '-ing' form

• Some verbs can be followed by an ‘-ing’ form, or a preposition + ‘-ing’ form.
  When you finish eating, maybe you’d like to join us for a drink at the bar?
  I apologise for not writing sooner.

• Some verbs have an object + preposition + '-ing' form.
You can’t blame me for being in love.
The following verbs follow the same pattern: suspect (someone) + of…/ accuse (someone) + of…/ condemn, criticise, forgive, punish, thank (someone) + for…/ discourage, prevent, stop (someone) + from…/ congratulate (someone) + on…

  Verbs that take both infinitives and the '-ing' form

• For some verbs the infinitive is used for the future, and the ‘-ing’ form for the past.
Remember to buy milk on your way home from work. (future)
I remember living in London when I was young. (past)

We regret to inform passengers that the next flight is delayed. (future)
I regret not going to university. (past)

Other verbs that take both the infinitive and the '-ing' form include: start, begin, continue, intend, like, love, hate, stop, prefer, mean, need and try

Some verbs, like try, mean and stop, for example, can be followed by an infinitive or an ‘-ing’ form, but with a change in meaning.
Compare:
Try sitting closer to the board: you might be able to see better. (try = experiment to see what happens)
I tried to lift the table by myself, but it was too heavy. (tried = made an effort/attempted to do something)

Dieting usually means giving up things you enjoy (means = involves)
I meant to send him an email, but I forgot (meant = intended)

I've stopped drinking alcohol and I feel much better. (stopped = stopped the activity)
I worked from 8 until 11.30 and then stopped to have a coffee and a cigarette. (stopped = stopped doing one thing in order to do another.)

1. It’s very easy - ? - understanding to understand English when you study with 'La Mansión del Inglés'.
2. I’ve stopped - ? - to smoke smoking and now I can do exercise without - ? - getting get to get out of breath.
3. - ? - Shopping to shop on the Internet is something I’m not used - ? - to do to doing .
4. Please try - ? - to be being on time for the meeting because we’d like - ? - finish to finish finishing before lunch.
5. - ? - To be Being in love means not - ? - to have having to say you’re sorry.
6. Don’t forget - ? - picking up to pick up the kids from school on your way home from the office.

1. I intend in five years time.
2. I would never agree
3. I can’t stand
4. I strongly dislike being made
5. I’ve planned next weekend.
6. I love
7. I find it difficult
8. I’ve tried many times, but I’ve never had much success in