Gerunds and Infinitives:  Pattern 4

Today's lesson is a podcast! 

A gerund and infinitive phrase can exist in several positions in a sentence:

  • as the subject of a sentence or

  • as the object of a verb. 

In this unit, we will discuss gerunds and infinitive phrases as the object of the verb, and the particular pattern described below.

Pattern 4:  Verb + [Noun or Pronoun] + Infinitive Phrase

 

     Many children need their parents to spend more time with them. 
                                  verb   +  [noun or pronoun]  infinitive phrase     
      
                                  need   +   their parents           to do

Many learners of English find it difficult to learn this pattern. If your native language uses a structure such as, for example, "Many children want that their parents spend more time with them," then you should study this structure until you use it naturally and comfortably.

Let's review:  Can you see that the infinitive phrase "to spend (more time with them)" functions as a noun? It answers the question "What do many children want?"

Fix It!

 

WHERE'S THE ERROR?

Problem:       They don't want that their names appear in the paper*.

Solution:       They _______________________  in the paper.

 * "in the paper" refers to "in the newspaper".

Listen as we read the following sentences aloud, and then repeat each sentence:

  • He wanted me to study hard.

  • She encouraged him to keep trying.

  • My husband told me to take it easy.

  • I wasn't tired, but I pushed myself to go to sleep.

  • They asked me to help them.

  • They want you to not be late.

  • The soldiers sacrified their lives (in order) to allow us to live in peace.

  • Bob reminded Vlad to fix the computers.

Listen as we read another example: 

Try It Yourself!

There are errors with gerunds and infinitive phrases in these sentences.  Use the Pattern 4 above to help you write and say each sentence correctly.  You'll find the answers in the Answer Key.

WHERE'S THE ERROR?

1.  Our teacher told us not to looked at the test paper until he said to.

2.  These movies and books will teach people be kind and honest.

3.  Doctors want that people know that it is important to get regular health checkups.

You will find the answers in our " Answer Key".

Next...


Join us as we continue with Pattern 5 of our gerunds and infinitive phrases unit.

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