Gerunds and Infinitives

 

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In this lesson we continue our unit on gerunds and infinitive phrases.

What's wrong with this sentence?

Problem: I used to hear them to say that the government was no good.

Before you begin the activities, we suggest that you read, listen to, and study the podcast and grammar lesson, What Is a Gerund? What Is an Infinitive Phrase?

Pattern 8: Verb of Percepton + Object + [Base Form of Verb]

 

Pattern 8:  Verb of Percepton + Object + [Gerund]

 

Use this pattern when the head verb is a verb of perception.

The following are verbs of perception.

hear listen to feel smell
notice look at watch observe
see


             I used to hear them say that the government was no good. 
                verb of perception + object + base form                              

   Many learners of English find it difficult to learn this pattern. 

Examples

 

  • Last night I heard them saying that the government was no good.
            verb of perception + object + [base form]

  • Jem and Louise saw him talking to somebody.
            verb of perception + object + [gerund]

Next...  adjective + infinitive phrase


Please continue with our next lesson, where we explore the pattern ADJECTIVE + infinitive phrase.

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