gerund practice - ESL worksheet by lyubka87 - Free Printable

Here are the solutions to the exercises.

Exercise 1

*Rule:* Use the -ing form after prepositions (like *at*, *for*) and verbs of preference/habit (like *enjoy*, *go*). Use the infinitive (to + verb) after adjectives, nouns, or specific verbs like *decide*, *want*, *help*. Note: After "make" and "hear/see", we use the base verb without "to".

1. A: I can’t decide what to wear to the party?
B: Why don’t you put on your red dress? It looks great on you.
*(Reason: "Decide" is followed by the infinitive.)*

2. A: Maria, what do you like doing (or to do) in your free time?
B: I love listening (or to listen) to music.
*(Reason: "Like" and "love" can take both forms, but -ing is very common for general hobbies.)*

3. A: Mum, please don’t make me take the medicine.
B: I know, it tastes awful, Jake, but it will help you get (or to get) better.
*(Reason: "Make someone do something" uses the base verb. "Help" can take the base verb or infinitive with 'to'.)*

4. A: Kate is good at playing the guitar, isn’t she?
B: Yes. I heard her play (or playing) in a concert last week. She was great.
*(Reason: "At" is a preposition, so use -ing. "Hear" can take the base verb for the whole action or -ing for part of it.)*

5. A: Where is Velma? I have to ask her something.
B: She isn’t here. She always go swimming at this time of the day.
*(Reason: "Have to" takes the infinitive. The phrase is "go swimming".)*

6. A: How about going to the park?
B: I’d prefer to stay in and watch a TV.
*(Reason: "How about" is followed by -ing. "Prefer" is usually followed by the infinitive "to stay". When connecting two verbs with "and" after prefer, the second one often drops the "to", so "watch" fits best.)*

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Exercise 2

*Match the beginning of the sentence (Column A) with the correct ending (Column B).*

1. I can’t stand → hearing her cry.
2. She likes → painting in her free time.
3. Thank you for → helping me with my Science project.
4. Do you go → cycling often?
5. She’s looking forward → to going on holiday.
6. Windsurfing → is my favourite sport.
7. Yes, I admit → breaking the window.
8. It’s no use → arguing with Steve. He won’t change his mind.

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Exercise 3

*Fill in the gaps with the correct form. Then answer the questions about yourself.*

1. What sports do you enjoy playing?
2. Which countries would you like to visit?
3. Name one thing that you have decided to do next year.
4. What are you looking forward to doing next weekend?
5. How often do you go swimming in the summer?

*(For the lines below these questions, you should write your own personal answers based on the completed sentences above.)*