Verb + ing or to... 2

Question 1

Attempt to do, make an effort to do = trying or try to do?

Answer 1

Attempt to do, make an effort to do = try to do?

I was very tired. I tried to keep my eyes open, but I couldn’t.

Please try to be quiet when you come home. Everyone will be asleep.

Question 2

If try means “do something as an experiment or test”, we use try = …ing or try to do.

Answer 2

If try means “do something as an experiment or test”, we use try + …ing.

The photocopier doesn’t seem to be working. Try pressing the green button.

I didn’t like the way the furniture was arranged, so I try moving the table to the other side.

Question 3

I need doing or to do something = it is necessary to do it.

Answer 3

I need to do something = it is necessary to do it.

I need to get more exercise.

He needs to work harder if he wants to make progress.

I don’t need to come to the meeting, do I?

Question 4

Something needs to be done or doing = someone needs to do it.

Answer 4

Something needs to be done or doing = someone needs to do it. _{(both are possible)}

My cell phone needs to be charged.

Do you think my pants need to be washed?

Sometimes we use need doing instead of need to be done:

My celle phone needs charging.

Do you think my pants need washing.

Question 5

True or false? Can you say “help to do” and “help do” (with or without to)?

Answer 5

True. You can say “help to do” and “help do” (with or without to)?

Everybody helped to clean up after the party or Everybody helped clean up after the party.

Can you help me to move this table? or Can you help me move this table?

Question 6

I can’t help doing something = I can’t s___ myself from doing it.

Answer 6

I can’t help doing something = I can’t stop myself from doing it.

I can’t help feeling sorry for him.

She tried to bo serious, but she couldn’t help laughing.

I’m sorry I’m so nervous. I can’t help it. (= I can’t help being nevous)

Question 7

“The radio insn’t working.” Have you tried changing/to change the batteries?”

Answer 7

“The radio insn’t working.” Have you tried changing the batteries?” _{(experiment or test)}

Question 8

These pants are dirty. They need to be cleaned/cleaning.

Answer 8

These pants are dirty. They need to be cleaned/cleaning. _{(both are synomyms)}

Question 9

I can’t open the door. The key won’t turn. Try using/to use another key.

Answer 9

I can’t open the door. The key won’t turn. Try using another key. _{(experiment or test)}

Question 10

I rang the doorbell, but there was no answer. Then I tried to knock/knocking on the door.

Answer 10

I rang the doorbell, but there was no answer. Then I tried knocking on the door. _{(experiment or test)}

Question 11

We tried to put/putting out the fire, but we were unsuccessful.

Answer 11

We tried to put out the fire, but we were unsuccessful. _{(attempt to do: goal)}

Question 12

Sue needed to borrow some money. She tried to ask/asking Jerry.

Answer 12

Sue needed to borrow some money. She tried asking Jerry. _{(experiment or test)}

Question 13

I tried reaching/to reach the shelf, but I wasn’t tall enough.

Answer 13

I tried to reach the shelf, but I wasn’t tall enough. _{(attempt to: goal)}

Question 14

Please don’t bother me. I’m trying to concentrate/ concentrating.

Answer 14

Please don’t bother me. I’m trying to concentrate. _{(goal /no ing + ing)}

Question 15

My grandmother isn’t able to look after herself anymore. She needs ___ (look) after.

Answer 15

My grandmother isn’t able to look after herself anymore. She needs to be looked/looking after. _{(both are possible)}

Question 16

Your hair is getting very long. It needs to be cut/cutting.

Answer 16

Your hair is getting very long. It needs to be cut/cutting. (both are possible)

Question 17

The windows are dirty. They need to be washed/washing.

Answer 17

The windows are dirty. They need to be washed/washing. _{(both are possible)}

Question 18

He looks so funny. Whenver I see him, I can’t help to smile/smiling.

Answer 18

He looks so funny. Whenver I see him, I can’t help smiling. _{(he couldn’t stop smiling)}