Some adjectives, nouns and verbs can be followed by infinitives with or without to. Some are followed by ing forms. There are also some words that can be followed by either an infinitive or an ing form.
Fill in the blanks with an appropriate word or phrase.
1. She didn’t want me …………………
Want is followed by an object + to-infinitive.
2. They don’t allow people …………………. in the kitchen.
Allow can be followed by an -ing form or an object + to-infinitive.
3. They don’t allow …………………. in the kitchen.
Allow can be followed by an ing form or an object + to-infinitive.
4. I didn’t ask ....................... the bill.
Ask is one of those verbs that are followed by an object + to-infinitive, rather than by a that-clause.
5. Why won’t you let me .....................?
Let is followed by an infinitive without to.
6. I heard him ...................... the door and go out.
Heard is followed by an object + infinitive without to.
7. I suggested ....................... a job.
Suggest is one of those verbs that cannot be followed by an infinitive.
8. You are advised ………………… early
9. I prefer you ....................... me by first name.
Prefer is followed by an object + to-infinitive.
10. Be careful ..................... the children.
In negative structures, not goes before the infinitive.
11. The next ..................... was a big black snake.
Words like first, second, last, next etc., can be followed by to-infinitives.
12. You were lucky ...................... killed.
Answers
1. She didn’t want me to go.
2. They don’t allow people to smoke in the kitchen.
3. They don’t allow smoking in the kitchen.
4. I didn’t ask you to pay the bill.
5. Why won’t you let me explain?
6. I heard him open the door and go out.
7. I suggested that she should get a job.
8. You are advised to start early
9. I prefer you to call me by my first name.
10. Be careful not to wake the children.
11. The next to arrive was a big black snake.
12. You were lucky not to be killed.
