Focus on language

Let’s practise some more language for developing learners’ creative thinking skills.

The examples we’ve seen so far have either to + infinitive or verb + -ing after the main verb. For example,

• How would you persuade the government to stop the decline of biodiversity?

• Think of different ways of presenting your research on the ozone layer.

Read the following questions and commands. Decide which verb pattern follows each verb: to + infinitive or verb + -ing.

1. How could you continue (add) _____ numbers to this sequence of negative numbers?

2. Think of ways you could start (design) _____ a geometrical pattern.

3. Imagine (build) _____ one of the Egyptian pyramids. Which job would you choose to do and why?

4. Which visual organiser would you consider (create) _____ to make notes about the management structure of the company?

5. In your group, discuss the question about the use of alternative energy then agree (carry out) _____ your research in at least two different ways.

6. How do you think you could try (approach) _____ this maths problem?

7. Think about the links you intend (make) _____ between land use in different cities.

You can check the answers in the downloads section. Click here for some further information about verbs followed by verb + - ing or to + infinitive.

Task
How did you learn when to use the infinitive or gerund (verb + - ing)? What advice would you give to others learning now? Write your answers to these questions in the comments section.