Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Identify common verbs that are followed by an infinitive or a gerund when reading short, contextualized stories.
Warmer
Look at the picture. Describe what you think this story is about?Â
Listening
Comprehension Questions
Vocabulary
Listening 2: Gap Fill
Grammar: Theory
When you use a combination of two verbs, the second verb must change its form. Â
The second verb must become one of two forms:
The Infinitive: (to + verb)
The Gerund: (verb + -ing)
The form of the second verb depends on the first(main) verb. Some verbs are followed by an infinitive, some by a gerund, and some by both.Â
The best way to learn these combinations is to memorize them. However, some patterns might make it easier for students to learn. (I personally think it is better to memorize them because there are many exceptions.)Â
The Infinitive Verbs (Verb + To + Verb)
Focus: They often express a plan, future intention, choice, or desire.
Common Verbs: Want, Need, Hope, Plan, Promise, Agree, Offer, Decide, Expect.
Example: Daniel decided to finish his coffee. (He made a choice for the future.)
Example: Liam was expecting to spend a pleasant afternoon. (He had a plan.)
The Gerund Verbs (Verb + -ing)
Focus: They often express feelings (likes/dislikes), mental activity, or the completion of an action.
Common Verbs: Enjoy, Finish, Mind, Avoid, Suggest, Keep, Consider, End up.
Example: She enjoyed watching other people’s dates. (She had a feeling about an activity.)
Example: She suggested moving to the center table. (She made a proposal/recommendation.)
The following verbs can use both forms, and it is important to note that the meaning changes for some of the verbs. ( Discussed in a different lesson)
Love, Like, Hate, Prefer, Start, Begin, Try
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Grammar
Grammar 2
Writing: What happens next?
Danial and Lily plan to go on a second date. Write a story (150-250 words) about their second date.Â
In your story, make sure you include:
- Vocabulary from this lesson
- Verb + gerund/infinitive
Daniel called Lily on Tuesday to suggest a date. “How about that new Ethiopian restaurant? I know you like unusual foods,” he said. Lily immediately agreed. When they met, Daniel was even more nervous than he was at the birthday dinner. He sat down and tried not to get flustered. “Did you bring your camera?” Lily asked…
Text
Her name was Lily. She laughed first, and Daniel couldn’t help joining her. They agreed to move their chairs so they could talk more easily. Daniel admitted enjoying quiet evenings like this, while Lily said she loved meeting new people and trying unusual foods. They realized they had more in common than they expected.
Throughout dinner, Daniel kept trying to impress her without appearing desperate. He offered to pour her a drink, but he ended up spilling a little on the table. Instead of judging him, Lily started cleaning it with a napkin and teasing him about being nervous. Daniel considered pretending he wasn’t flustered, but he decided to be honest. Lily appreciated hearing the truth.
After dessert, a group of friends suggested going to a noisy bar, but Daniel preferred staying at the restaurant to keep talking with Lily. To his surprise, she agreed to skip the bar too. They ended up walking around the block, discussing travel, music, and embarrassing childhood stories. Daniel enjoyed listening to Lily describe her dreams, and she enjoyed hearing him talk about teaching himself photography.
At one point, it began drizzling. Lily suggested running to a café for shelter. Daniel didn’t mind getting wet, but he agreed to follow her. While sitting inside, Daniel tried making her laugh by imitating the dramatic reactions of people outside rushing through the rain. Lily nearly cried from laughing.
Before leaving, Daniel asked if she wanted to meet again. Lily admitted wanting to see him too. They exchanged numbers, promising to plan something soon. As Daniel said good night, he realized he was already looking forward to seeing her again. He didn’t plan on falling for someone that night, but sometimes the best things happen when you least expect it.
What is the importance of a good first impression? What is the opposite of a good first impression?
Daniel enjoys “quiet evenings,” while Lily loves “meeting new people and trying unusual foods.” Do you think having different interests can be a problem in a relationship? Why or why not?
Daniel spilled a drink, but Lily’s reaction was to tease him instead of judging him. How should people react when someone they are trying to impress makes a mistake (e.g., gets flustered)?
Taking the Initiative: Daniel asked Lily if she wanted to meet again. Have you ever had to take the initiative (be the one to ask)? What kind of language or approach do you use when you want to exchange numbers or plan a future meeting?
The story ends with the theme: “the best things happen when you least expect it.” Do you agree with this statement? Give an example from your own life or from a movie/book.
