Note that after many verbs possessive + verb-ing form is usually used, instead of object + verb-ing form, especially in a
formal style.
3. Verb-ing form with passive meaning
After the verbs ‗deserve, need, and require’, the verb-ing form has a passive sense. This structure is more common in British
English.
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Examples:
I don’t think his article deserves reading. =…deserves to be read.
Your hair needs cutting. =…needs to be cut.
In informal British English, want can also be used like this:
The car wants servicing. =…needs to be serviced.
4. Verb-ing form or infinitive
After some verbs, either a verb-ing form or an infinitive can be used.
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They are: Advise
forbid hear
prefer Start
allow forget
intend propose
stop can’t bear
go like
regret try
begin go on
love remember
watch continue
hate permit
see
h. After nouns and adjectives
1. Nounadjective + verb-ing form
A preposition is usually used to connect the nounsadjectives to the verb-ing form. When the verb-ing forms follow nounsadjectives,
it usually cannot be followed by infinitives.
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For examples:
35
Ibid.
36
Ibid.
I hate the idea of getting old. NOT …the idea to get old.
The thought of failing never entered his head. NOT The thought to fail…
I’m tired of listening to this. NOT I’m tired to listen… She’s very good at solving problems. NOT She’s very good to
solve…
2. Purpose
To explain the purpose of an object or material, for + verb-ing form can be used after a noun, or after an indefinite pronoun such as
something or anything. For examples:
A strimmer is a machine for cutting grass and weeds. I need something for killing flies.
Have you got any stuff for cleaning silver?
It is important to note that this structure is mostly used to talk about types of object and material generally. An infinitive most likely
is used after the noun or pronoun to explain individual‘s purpose in using an object or material. For example:
I must find something to kill that fly. 3.
Verb-ing form or infinitive
Verb-ing form and infinitive can be used after some nouns and adjectives. It usually has the same or close meaning. For examples:
We have a good chance of makingto make a profit. I’m proud ofhavingto have won.
i. After prepositions
1. After all prepositions
When a verb is put after a preposition, it usually uses a verb-ing form, not an infinitive.
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For examples:
37
Ibid., p. 281
38
Ibid.
You can’t make an omelettewithout breaking eggs. NOT… without to break
eggs.
Always check the oil before starting the car. NOT… before to
start the car.
They painted the house instead of going on holiday.
NOT…
instead to go
…
I look forward to hearing from you. NOT… to hear from you.
2. To as a preposition
Tois actually two different words. It can be an infinitive marker,
or a preposition. When to is used as an infinitive marker, it is used to
show that the next word is an infinitive e.g. to talk, to see.Whereas
to as a preposition can be followed by the verb-ing form of a verb, but not normally by the infinitive. Some common expressions in which
this happen are look forward to, object to, be used to, prefer doing one thing to doing another, get round to, and in addition to.
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In the examples below, the preposition to can be followed by
either a noun or a verb-ingform. a
I look forward to your next letter. I look forward to hearing from you.
b Do you object to Sunday work?
Do you object to working on Sunday?
c
I’m not used to London traffic. I’m not used to driving in London.
d I prefer the seaside to the mountains.
I prefer swimming to walking.
e
I’ll get round to the washing up sooner or later. I’ll get round to doing the washing up sooner or later.
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Ibid., p. 282
A few verbs and adjectives are used with to before nouns, but
are followed by the infinitives of verbs. For examples; agree, consent, entitled, inclined, and prone.
She agreed to our plan Sheagreed to do what we wanted. He’s inclined to anger He’s inclined to lose his temper.
Accustomed can be followed by to + verb-ing form or an infinitive.
3. Object + infinitive after
