IELTS Computer Delivered Tests + Band Score

Gerunds and infinitives

by Abber
(KSA)

Please, could you answer this and why this the good answer?

- we don't expect (there to be, there being) any problem with your visa application.

- we have no hope of (there being / there to be) another train tonight. Ti's too late.

thanks

Comments for Gerunds and infinitives

Click here to add your own comments

Sep 14, 2013
Gerunds and Infinitives
by: IELTS buddy

Hi,

Your question is really about when to use a gerund or infinitive

_______________________________________

- we don't expect (there to be, there being) any problem with your visa application.

In the first one you should say:

- we don't expect THERE TO BE any problem with your visa application.

Certain verbs when followed by another verb, take the infinitive. 'Expect' is one of these so when followed by another verb, the infinitive is used for the second verb. Another example:

"I expect TO FIND many people there".
"I expect him to arrive late".

_______________________________________

- we have no hope of (there being / there to be) another train tonight. Ti's too late.

This should be:

- we have no hope of THERE BEING another train tonight. It's too late.

If we have a 'verb + preposition' (hope of) and it is followed by another verb (be), then the gerund (or present participle) is used.

"I passed (the exam) BY STUDYING very hard".
"He is interested IN TAKING English classes".

_________________________________________

There are quite a few rules around gerunds and infinitives so you should look into them a bit further.

Sep 14, 2013
thanks
by: Anonymous

thanks very much ;)

Click here to add your own comments

Return to Grammar Questions.


Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.

Band 7+ eBooks

"I think these eBooks are FANTASTIC!!! I know that's not academic language, but it's the truth!"

Linda, from Italy, Scored Band 7.5

ielts buddy ebooks