LESSON 1
FUNCTIONS OF TO-INFINITIVES AND GERUNDS
I. FUNCTIONS OF A TO-INFINITIVE
1.1. To-infinitive as a Noun
Grammatically, when functioning as a noun, a to-infinitive can function as a subject, an
object, a subject complement, or an object complement.
Subject To recruit good employees is difficult.
Object She wants to quit her job.
Subject complement The goal is to increase sales.
Object complement He advised me to apply for the job.
1.1.1 Read the following sentences and point out the functions of the underlined to-
infinitives.
1. To learn a new language fluently takes time and practice..
Function: _________S_________
2. The coach motivated the team to work hard during the off-season.
Function: __________O________
3. My dream is to work for the HD Corporation.
Function: _______SC___________
4. The manager wanted to interview three applicants.
Function: ________O__________
5. They need to solve the problem now.
Function: _______O___________
6. Jean helped me to complete the report.
Function: ________OC__________
1.1.2. Choose the correct option to complete each sentence.
1. The SM Company needs ____________ more people.
A. to hire B. hire C. to hiring D. hired
2. The purpose of the meeting is ____________ the issue.
1.2. To-infinitive as an Adjective / Adverb
A. discussion B. discuss C. to discuss D. discussed
1.2.1. To-infinitive as an Adjective
A to-infinitive can follow a noun and functions as an adjective modifying that noun.
He has a lot of work to do.
Ms. Smith has a business call to make.
1.2.2. To-infinitive as an Adverb
A to-infinitive can function as an adverb and expresses a purpose / reason, a judgment, or
a result.
Expressing a purpose/reason To pass the bar exam, Steve studied hard.
Expressing a judgment The owner must be stupid to say such a thing.
Expressing a result The boss advised her only to offend her.
1.2.3. Read the following sentences and point out the functions of the underlined to-
infinitives.
1. They made a plan to visit the office in Chicago.
Function: ________purpose/reason_____________
2. She studies diligently to excel in her exams..
Function: ________purpose/reason_____________
3. The first thing to do is to have a meeting with the staff.
Function: _________judgment____________
4. I am so glad to hear the news.
Function: _________result____________
5. It is hard to find a place to park at this hour.
Function: __________judgment___________
6. The team restructured its operations only to enhance efficiency.
Function: _________result____________
1.2.4. Choose the correct option to complete each sentence.
1. Mr. Kim worked hard ____________ a promotion.
A. to get B. getting C. got D. get
2. All the staff members were surprised _____________ the bad news.
A. heard B. hear C. hearing D. to hear
II. FUNCTIONS OF A GERUND
A gerund is formed by adding the suffix –ing to a bare infinitive. It can function as a
subject, an object, or a complement in a sentence.
1. Gerund as a subject
Working overtime is sometimes unnecessary.
Speaking English well will help you get a good job.
2. Gerund as an object
All of the employees enjoyed participating in the seminar. (Object of the verb enjoy)
Thank you for answering my question. (Object of the preposition for)
3. Gerund as a complement
His concern is expanding his business quickly.
Tip Unlike nouns, gerunds may be followed by objects.
Explaining the concept was hard. (o)
Explanation the concept was hard. (x)
2.1. Choose the correct option given in brackets to complete each sentence then
point out its function in the sentence.
1. They suggested (get/getting) a new office. _____getting_______
2. (Learning/Learn) a new language can be challenging.. _____Learning_______
3. (Solving/Solve) the problem took lots of time and money. ______Solving_______
4. You can make a reservation by (to call/calling) the hotel. ______calling________
5. (Improving/Improve) customer service is our top priority.. ____Improving____
2.2. Choose the correct option to complete each sentence.
1. Her job is ____________ phone calls from customers.
A. answered B. answering C. to answering D. answer
2. Many employees in the office are interested in ___________ medical checkups.
A. get B. to get C. getting D. gotten
III. PRACTICE
3.1. Choose one correct option in the parentheses.
1. She plans (attending / to attend) the conference next month..
2. We are excited (announcing / to announce) our new product line next week.
3. Stress can prevent one from (sleeping / slept) well.
4. Our goal is (to attract / attraction) more customers.
5. I am writing (inquire / to inquire) whether my order was shipped.
6. (Read / Reading) the instructions on the package is essential.
7. We stopped (developing / to develop) alternative fuels due to financial difficulties.
8. We will need (to enhance / enhancement) the security of our website.
9. Many people prefer (invest / to invest) in the IT industry.
10. You should look around before (joining / to join) a health club.
3.2. Choose the correct option for each of the following sentences.
1. The team members decided ___________ additional training sessions next month..
A. schedule B. to schedule C. scheduled D. scheduling
2. ___________ the speech several times before the ceremony is necessary..
A. Practice B. Practices C. Practiced D. Practicing
3. Some residents wish ____________ their phone numbers after they move.
A. to keep B. keep C. kept D keeper
4. The accounting department may request receipts __________ your expense.
A. verifying B. verify C. be verified D. to verify
5. The Conen Company started ___________ wall paper with flower designs last
year.
A. making B. make C. made D. of making
6. ___________ the facilities before the upcoming event, the firm required several
staff members to work overtime.
A. To inspect B. Inspected C. Inspection D. Inspect
7. The company’s first’s priority is ___________ its customers with high-quality
products.
A. provides B. provide C. providing D. provided
8. Every company has an obligation __________ its workers with a safe and healthy
work atmosphere.
A. provide B. provides C. provision D. to provide
9. The meeting’s purpose is __________ improvements in employee benefits.
A. discuss B. will discuss C. discussion D. to discuss
10. The company's growth strategy involves ___________ its product line next year.
A. expanding B. expands C. to expand D. expanded
Questions 11 through 15 refer to the following letter.
To: Customer Service Department
From: Kenneth Venkman
Subject: Incorrect billing statement
I am contacting you once again after _______(11) no reply to my prior e-mail
regarding the problem with my gas bill for the month of June.
11. A. receiving B. to receive C. being receive D. receive
After getting my bill for last month, I queried the charge that was included for
unpaid gas in May. When I called your department about the issue, I ____ (12) that the
incorrect charges would be removed and that a new bill would be sent to me by e-mail.
12. A. will be informed B. would have informed C. was informed D. had been
informing
However, the new bill still includes these erroneous charges, which I have no intention
of ____(13)
12. A. pay B. payment C. to pay D. paying
Therefore, I have attached an image of a receipt ____ (14) that I paid my bill for the
month of May in full on June 12.
14. A. collaborating B. confirming C. convincing D. converting
I would like you _____(15) this situation as soon as possible.
15. A. rectify B. to rectify C. to rectifying D. rectify
Sincerely,
Kenneth Venkman
