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Infinitive And Gerund Verbs – Quiz 1
Infinitive And Gerund Verbs Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the understanding of infinitive and gerund verbs, including their usage in future actions, noun phrases, promises, and purpose clauses. It also assesses skills such as identifying correct verb forms, recognizing grammatical functions, and distinguishing between infinitives and gerunds.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
You may ..... the door if you feel hot.
A) Open.
B) Opened.
C) Opening.
D) To open.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive form "to open" is not used as the main verb in this sentence, so options D and C are incorrect. The correct answer is A) Open because it uses the base form of the verb after "you may," which is appropriate for forming a suggestion or permission.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses the base form of the verb, suitable for forming a suggestion.
Option B:
Incorrect. Past participle form does not fit here.
Option C:
Incorrect. Gerund form is not appropriate in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. Infinitive with "to" is not needed for a simple suggestion or permission.
2.
He really wants us ..... as planned.
A) To continue.
B) Continuing.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence requires an infinitive verb form to function as the object of "wants us". The infinitive form is "to continue", making option A correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Infinitives are used after verbs like 'want', 'need', and 'decide'.
Option B:
Incorrect. Gerunds do not function as objects of these verbs.
Option C:
Incorrect. "All the above" is incorrect since only one option is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. Option A is indeed correct.
3.
She made me ..... the whole story again.
A) Repeated.
B) Repeat.
C) Repeating.
D) To repeat.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Repeat.
In this sentence, the verb "made" requires an infinitive to follow it as its object complement. The infinitive form of a verb starts with "to," but in this case, it's omitted because "repeat" is the base form of the verb.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Repeated" is not correct here because it should be in its base form to match the infinitive structure required by "made."
Option B:
"Repeat" is correct as it's the base form of the verb needed after "made."
Option C:
"Repeating" is a gerund, which cannot be used here because it doesn't fit the infinitive structure required by "made."
Option D:
"To repeat" would be correct if "made" were followed by an object and then this phrase, but in this sentence, only "repeat" is needed.
4.
I would like ..... a hot drink.
A) Have.
B) To having.
C) Having.
D) To have.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive form "to have" is the correct choice here because it functions as a purpose clause, indicating what you would like to do next. In English, when expressing a desire for an action, we typically use the infinitive form starting with "to."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Have" is not correct here because it lacks the necessary "to" that signals the infinitive form.
Option B:
"To having" is incorrect as "having" is a gerund, which cannot be used to express desire in this context.
Option C:
"Having" is a gerund and does not fit grammatically here since it lacks the infinitive marker "to."
Option D:
"To have" is correct as it properly expresses your intention to obtain or consume a hot drink.
5.
No matter what management says it's important ..... safety protocols.
A) To prioritize.
B) Prioritizing.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive form "to prioritize" is used correctly in the sentence to indicate an action that should be performed. The gerund form "prioritizing" would not fit grammatically here as it does not function as a noun in this context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses infinitive "to prioritize" which is appropriate for indicating an action.
Option B:
Incorrect. Gerund form "prioritizing" does not fit grammatically in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. Both options A and B are evaluated, but only A is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. The correct answer is identified as option A.
6.
She can't ..... to buy a new laptop right now.
A) Afford.
B) Affording.
C) To afford.
D) Affords.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence requires an infinitive verb to complete the meaning, indicating inability to buy a laptop. "Afford" in its base form (to afford) fits this requirement correctly.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses the base form of the verb 'afford' as an infinitive.
Option B:
Incorrect. Gerund form does not fit the sentence structure.
Option C:
Incorrect. Starts with "to" but is not a complete infinitive form.
Option D:
Incorrect. Uses third person singular form, which doesn't match the subject-verb agreement in this context.
7.
As part of the new image campaign we have decided ..... the company colors.
A) To change.
B) Changing.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive form "to change" is the correct choice here because it functions as a noun in this sentence, serving as the object of the preposition "as part of." The gerund form "changing" would be used if the verb were functioning as the subject or complement of another verb.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "To change" is an infinitive and functions as a noun in this sentence.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Changing" is a gerund, not suitable for the object of a preposition here.
Option C:
Incorrect. Both A and B are incorrect; only A fits the context properly.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
8.
Thomas is responsible for ..... the payroll of our employees.
A) To do.
B) Doing.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence requires an active verb form to complete the phrase "responsible for." The correct answer is
B) Doing.
This uses the gerund form of the verb, which functions as a noun and fits grammatically in this context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Infinitive form (to do) does not fit here.
Option B:
Correct. Gerund form (doing) is appropriate for the sentence structure.
Option C:
Incorrect. This option includes "All the above," which is not applicable since only one correct answer exists.
Option D:
Incorrect. The sentence can be correctly completed with a verb form, so this is not the right choice.
9.
It would ..... good for your health.
A) Been.
B) To be.
C) Being.
D) Be.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive form of the verb "to be" is required after "It would," as it introduces a purpose or result clause. The correct answer is
D) Be.
This structure indicates what would result from an action, using the base form of the verb without 'to'.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; "Been" is the past participle and does not fit here.
Option B:
Incorrect; "To be" introduces infinitives but this context needs the base form.
Option C:
Incorrect; "Being" is a gerund, which cannot follow "It would."
Option D:
Correct; "Be" is the base form of the verb needed in this structure.
10.
Thank you for being here, the purpose of this meeting is ..... the future changes and ..... how they'll be implemented.
A) To discuss/ seeing.
B) To discuss/ to see.
C) Discussing/ to see.
D) Discussing/seeing.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) To discuss/ to see.
This option correctly uses the infinitive form "to discuss" for the first blank and the infinitive form "to see" for the second blank. The infinitive forms are used here as they indicate purpose or intention, which fits well with the context of discussing future changes and how they will be implemented.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect because it uses present participle "seeing" instead of infinitive "to see".
Option B:
Correct as both blanks use the infinitive form.
Option C:
Incorrect because it uses present participle "discussing" for the first blank, which does not fit the context of purpose or intention.
Option D:
Incorrect because it uses present participle "seeing" instead of infinitive "to see".
11.
His parents let him ..... a motorbike last year.
A) To buy.
B) Buy.
C) Buying.
D) Bought.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence requires an infinitive verb form to function as the object of "let." The correct infinitive is "to buy," making option B) Buy the right choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; "To buy" should be used instead of "To buy."
Option B:
Correct; "Buy" functions as an infinitive verb.
Option C:
Incorrect; "Buying" is a gerund, not an infinitive.
Option D:
Incorrect; "Bought" is the past tense form and does not fit grammatically here.
12.
She prepared ..... her presentation for hours.
A) Practice.
B) Practicing.
C) To practicing.
D) To practice.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive form "to practice" is used after verbs of intention such as "prepare." This construction indicates the purpose for which she prepared her presentation.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Practice. - Incorrect, needs 'to' before verb.
Option B:
Practicing. - Incorrect, gerund form does not fit here.
Option C:
To practicing. - Incorrect, 'to' should precede the infinitive only once.
Option D:
To practice. - Correct, indicates purpose after "prepare."
13.
She wishes ..... able to travel the world.
A) Being.
B) Be.
C) To being.
D) To be.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive form "to be" is the correct choice here because it functions as a purpose or intention in the sentence. The phrase "She wishes to be able to travel the world" indicates her desire or intention, which requires an infinitive verb.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Being" is a gerund and does not fit grammatically as it doesn't express the intended purpose.
Option B:
"Be" alone is incomplete; it needs to be part of an infinitive structure starting with "to".
Option C:
"To being" is incorrect because "being" is not a verb that can follow "to" in this context.
Option D:
"To be" correctly forms the infinitive needed to express her wish or intention.
14.
He promised ..... me as soon as he arrived.
A) Call.
B) Calling.
C) To call.
D) To calling.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive form "to call" is used after the verb "promised." In English, when a promise is made to perform an action, the infinitive without 'to' (calling) cannot be used; it must be preceded by 'to.' Therefore, the correct answer is C) To call.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Call - This is not grammatically correct in this context.
Option B:
Calling - This form does not fit after "promised" as it lacks the infinitive marker 'to.'
Option C:
To call - Correct, as it follows the proper infinitive structure for promises.
Option D:
To calling - This is a redundant form and not grammatically correct.
15.
They should ..... in the yard.
A) Played.
B) Play.
C) To play.
D) Playing.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B "Play" is correct because the sentence requires an infinitive verb form to complete it properly. The structure "They should [infinitive verb]" is a common way to express advice or recommendations, and "play" in its base form fits this construction.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Played" is incorrect because it uses the past tense form of the verb, which does not fit the structure required by the sentence.
Option B:
"Play" is correct as explained above.
Option C:
"To play" is also a valid infinitive form but typically used at the beginning of sentences or clauses. In this case, "play" alone is more appropriate.
Option D:
"Playing" is incorrect because it uses the gerund form of the verb, which does not fit the structure required by the sentence.
16.
They refused ..... the rules.
A) To following.
B) Follow.
C) To follow.
D) Following.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive form of the verb "follow" is required here because it functions as a noun, representing an action that they refused to do. In English grammar, when we use verbs in their infinitive forms (starting with "to"), they often act as nouns or objects.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "To following" is not a proper form.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Follow" alone does not fit the grammatical structure needed here.
Option C:
Correct. "To follow" is the infinitive form, fitting as an object in this sentence.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Following" is a gerund and does not function as required here.
17.
I'm looking forward to ..... our contract next Monday.
A) Sign.
B) Signing.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Looking forward to signing our contract next Monday" is the correct phrase because "looking forward to" requires a gerund (verb + -ing) as its object. The infinitive form "to sign" would not be appropriate here.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Sign - Incorrect, does not match with "looking forward to".
Option B:
Signing - Correct, matches the requirement of a gerund after "looking forward to".
Option C:
All the above - Incorrect, as only "Signing" is correct.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect, since "Signing" is the right choice.
18.
In our last meeting we agreed ..... market research for our next product.
A) To carry out.
B) Carrying out.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive form "to carry out" is the correct choice here because it functions as a noun in the sentence, serving as the object of the verb "agreed." In English grammar, when an infinitive acts as a noun, it typically begins with "to" followed by the base form of the verb.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The infinitive "to carry out" functions as a noun in this context.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Carrying out" is a gerund, which cannot be the object of "agreed." Gerunds are used to form verbs that act like nouns but do not function as the direct object here.
Option C:
Incorrect. Both A and B should be considered separately; only A fits grammatically in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
19.
They can't ..... the problem without help.
A) Solved.
B) Solving.
C) To solve.
D) Solve.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence requires an infinitive verb form to function as the object of "can't." The correct infinitive is "to solve," making option D) Solve, incorrect. Instead, the proper answer is C) To solve.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Solved - Incorrect; past tense doesn't fit.
Option B:
Solving - Gerund form, not infinitive, and doesn't fit grammatically here.
Option C:
To solve - Correct infinitive form needed for the sentence structure.
Option D:
Solve - Incorrect; needs to be in infinitive form "to solve."
20.
We hope ..... to Paris next summer.
A) To traveling.
B) To travel.
C) Travel.
D) Traveling.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive form "to travel" is the correct choice here because it functions as a noun in the sentence, indicating an intended action. In English, when expressing hope about future actions, we typically use the infinitive form of the verb without 'to' (e.g., "hope to do something"). However, in this case, "to travel" acts as a noun phrase.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "To traveling" is not grammatically correct.
Option B:
Correct. "To travel" is the infinitive form functioning as a noun in this context, expressing hope about an intended future action.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Travel" alone would be incorrect because it needs to be part of the infinitive construction "to travel."
Option D:
Incorrect. "Traveling" is a gerund, which cannot function as the subject of this sentence.
21.
I expect ..... the results tomorrow.
A) Get.
B) Getting.
C) To get.
D) To getting.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive form "to get" is used after the verb "expect." This construction indicates a future action that is anticipated or hoped for. Therefore, option C) To get is correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Get" alone does not fit grammatically in this context as it lacks the infinitive marker "to."
Option B:
"Getting" is a gerund, which cannot be used after "expect." Gerunds are used to form verbs that function as nouns.
Option C:
"To get" is the correct infinitive form and fits grammatically in this context.
Option D:
"To getting" is not a proper construction; it combines an infinitive with a gerund incorrectly.
22.
You must ..... out of here now.
A) Get.
B) Getting.
C) Got.
D) To get.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive form of the verb "to get" is used to express a future action or an action that has not yet been completed. In this context, it fits naturally as a command or instruction to leave immediately.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The infinitive "Get" is appropriate for the sentence structure and meaning.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Getting" is a gerund, which does not fit in this context as it implies an ongoing action rather than a command to act now.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Got" is the past tense of "get," and thus cannot be used here for a future or present imperative.
Option D:
Incorrect. "To get" would be correct if it were part of the sentence, but as an infinitive, "Get" is needed to form the command.
23.
Our company is pleased ..... a new branch in Italy.
A) To announce.
B) Announcing.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive form "to announce" is the correct choice here because it functions as a complement to the verb "is pleased." In English, when expressing pleasure or satisfaction about an action that hasn't happened yet, we typically use the infinitive form of the verb.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses the infinitive form "to announce," which is appropriate for expressing future actions in this context.
Option B:
Incorrect. Using "announcing" as a gerund does not fit grammatically here; it would imply an ongoing action, which is not suitable for expressing satisfaction about a new event.
Option C:
Incorrect. Both infinitive and gerund forms are incorrect in this context due to the specific meaning required by the sentence structure.
Option D:
Incorrect. All other options are valid, so "none of the above" is not correct.
24.
The joke made everyone ..... loudly.
A) Laughing.
B) Laugh.
C) Laughed.
D) To laugh.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Laugh.
In this sentence, the verb "made" requires an infinitive form (to + base form of the verb) to follow it as a complement. Therefore, we use "to laugh," but since the subject "everyone" is performing the action, we omit "to" and simply use "laugh." This construction indicates that everyone started laughing loudly.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Laughing" is a gerund form. It does not fit as it requires an auxiliary verb to be used with the main verb "made," which would make the sentence grammatically incorrect.
Option B:
Correct. Uses infinitive "to laugh" without "to" before the subject "everyone."
Option C:
"Laughed" is a past tense form and does not fit as it implies a completed action, whereas the sentence suggests an ongoing or simultaneous action.
Option D:
"To laugh." While this is grammatically correct for infinitive use, it should be followed by the subject performing the action. Here, we omit "to" before the subject "everyone."
25.
We don't believe Kim is interested in ..... the training course so we should send somebody else.
A) To attend.
B) Attending.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive form "to attend" is typically used after verbs of intention such as "believe," "think," and "consider." In this sentence, the verb "believes" requires an infinitive to complete its meaning. Therefore, option B) Attending (which is in gerund form) is incorrect because it does not fit grammatically with the structure.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
To attend - Correct. The infinitive "to attend" fits properly after "believes."
Option B:
Attending - Incorrect. Gerund form does not fit here.
Option C:
All the above - Incorrect. Only A is correct.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect. Option A is correct.
26.
She volunteered ..... care of the children.
A) To taking.
B) Take.
C) To take.
D) Taking.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive form "to take" is used after the preposition "for" when expressing purpose, which fits well in this context where she volunteered for the purpose of caring for the children.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "To taking" is not a proper infinitive form.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Take" alone does not fit grammatically after "volunteered".
Option C:
Correct. "To take" is the correct infinitive form used here to express purpose.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Taking" is a gerund, which cannot be used directly after "volunteered".
27.
They let the children ..... outside until 9 p.m.
A) Play.
B) To play.
C) Played.
D) Playing.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence requires an infinitive verb to complete the structure "let + object + infinitive." The correct form is "play," making option A the right choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Infinitive verbs begin with "to" and are used after certain verbs like "let," "help," etc.
Option B:
Incorrect. This is a gerund (verb form ending in -ing) which does not fit the sentence structure.
Option C:
Incorrect. Past tense does not match the context of allowing an action to continue until 9 p.m.
Option D:
Incorrect. Present participle (verb form ending in -ing) is not used after "let" without "to."
28.
She learned ..... a bicycle when she was five.
A) To ride.
B) To riding.
C) Riding.
D) Ride.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive form "to ride" is the correct choice because it functions as a direct object in this sentence, indicating what she learned. The infinitive form is used after verbs like 'learn' to describe an action or ability that one acquires.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "To ride" is the infinitive form and fits grammatically as a direct object.
Option B:
Incorrect. "To riding" is not a proper verb form in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Riding" is a gerund, which cannot be used directly after 'learn' to indicate what was learned.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Ride" alone lacks the necessary infinitive form and does not fit grammatically in this sentence structure.
29.
The committee decided ..... the event until June.
A) To postponing.
B) Postponing.
C) To postpone.
D) Postpone.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive form "to postpone" is used after the decision verb "decided." This construction indicates a purpose or intention, which fits the context of deciding to take an action at a later time.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"To postponing" is incorrect because it uses the gerund form instead of the infinitive.
Option B:
"Postponing" is a gerund and does not fit after "decided." Gerunds are used to describe actions as subjects or objects, but not in this context.
Option C:
"To postpone" is correct. It uses the infinitive form which properly follows the decision verb "decided."
Option D:
"Postpone" lacks the necessary to-infinitive structure and does not fit grammatically in this context.
30.
We were hoping ..... to the general manager of this franchise.
A) To talk.
B) Talking.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The infinitive form "to talk" is the correct choice here because it functions as a purpose clause, indicating what was hoped for. In English, when expressing hopes or intentions about doing something, we typically use the infinitive form of the verb.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "To talk" is an infinitive and fits grammatically in this context.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Talking" is a gerund, which does not fit here as it would imply the action of talking itself was hoped for, rather than the act of talking to someone.
Option C:
Incorrect. Both infinitive and gerund forms are distinct and cannot be used interchangeably in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an infinitive and a gerund verb?
An infinitive verb begins with "to" followed by the base form of the verb, such as "to walk." A gerund verb functions as a noun and ends in -ing, like "walking." Infinitives are often used after certain verbs or in specific structures, while gerunds can be subjects, objects, or complements in sentences.
Can infinitive and gerund verbs both be used as nouns?
Yes, infinitive verbs can function as nouns when they are the subject or object of a sentence. For example, "To walk is good for health." Gerunds also act as nouns but typically follow a preposition or serve as subjects and objects in sentences, such as "Walking after dinner helps digestion."
How are infinitive verbs used with 'make' or 'have'?
Infinitive verbs following 'make' or 'have' often indicate what someone does to another person, such as "She made him laugh" or "They have me clean the windows." These constructions are common in English and can be used to express actions that one imposes on others.
In what contexts might I use infinitive verbs instead of gerunds?
Infinitives are often preferred when expressing purpose or intention, such as "I went to the store to buy milk." They can also be used in certain idiomatic expressions and after specific verbs like 'can,' 'could,' 'may,' 'might,' where gerunds might sound awkward. For example, "You can't help to laugh at his jokes."
Are infinitive and gerund verbs interchangeable in all sentences?
No, while some sentences allow both forms interchangeably, others require one over the other. For instance, "I enjoy walking" uses a gerund, but "I want to walk" uses an infinitive. Understanding the grammatical function and context is key to choosing the correct form.