These basic English lessons provide the most important learning points for beginning level English learners. Use these short lessons to study for tests, review basic English essentials, or check your understanding of the basics.
Note: A gerund is a verb form that functions as a noun. Create a gerund by adding the suffix “-ing” to the base form of a verb. Like all nouns, gerunds can be used as subjects, objects of verbs, objects of prepositions, or complements. For example: Swimming is permitted in the lake.
Infinitives are a special form of verbs that can be used as a noun, adjective, or adverb. Make them by adding the word to before the base verb. Further, they can be useful when discussing actions without actually doing the action, such as “I want to go home,” or “To err is human.”
Lesson 9: Verbs Followed by the Gerund or the Infinitive
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When two verbs are used together, the second verb is often in the gerund form (-ing) or the infinitive. There are no specific rules concerning which verbs take which form. Like irregular verbs, you will need to learn which form a verb takes.
Common Verbs That Take the Gerund ‘ing’ Form
- go
- enjoy
- quit
- discuss
- mind
- can’t stand
- suggest
Examples:
- They go jogging on Saturdays.
- I don’t mind helping you.
- They can’t stand driving in traffic jams.
Common Verbs That Use the Infinitive Form
- promise
- plan
- refuse
- want
- need
- decide
- hope
Examples:
- I promised to help him.
- Alice needs to start that task.
- He decided to quit his job.
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Modals are verbs that modify other verbs. The most common modals are:
- Can
- Should
- Must
Note that all subjects take the same form of the modal.
Positive
Formed by combining Subject + Modal + Base Form of Verb + Objects
Examples:
- He can play the piano.
- I must leave soon.
Negative
Formed by combining Subject + Modal + Not + Base Form of Verb + Objects
Examples:
- They can’t visit next week.
- You shouldn’t go to that film.
Question
Formed by combining Modal + Subject + Base Form of Verb + Objects
Examples:
- Can you help me?
- What should I do?
Giving Advice with Should
Use ‘Should’ when asking for or giving advice. Also use it when asking for suggestions.
Examples:
- I think you should see a doctor.
- What type of job should I get?
Expressing Ability with Can
Use ‘Can’ to speak about abilities.
Examples:
- He can speak Japanese.
- Can you play golf?
Asking for Permission with May
‘May’ is used formally and politely to ask for permission. However, can is often used in spoken English.
Examples:
- May I help you?
- May I visit you this afternoon?
Source: thoughtco.com©
Pt 6 Basic English – Essential Lessons for Beginning English Learners – TUTORING YOU
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