In English, there are three basic tenses: present, past, and future. Each has a perfect form, indicating completed action; each has a progressive form, indicating ongoing action; and each has a perfect progressive form, indicating ongoing action that will be completed at some definite time. Here is a list of examples of these tenses and their definitions:
Simple Forms
Progressive Forms
Perfect Forms
Perfect Progressive Forms
Present take/s
am/is/are taking
have/has taken
have/has been taking
Past took
was/were taking
had taken
had been taking
Future will/shall take
will be taking
will have taken
will have been taking
Simple Forms
Present Tense
Present tense expresses an unchanging, repeated, or reoccurring action or situation that exists only now. It can also represent a widespread truth.
Example Meaning
The mountains are tall and white. Unchanging action
Every year, the school council elects new members. Recurring action
Pb is the chemical symbol for lead. Widespread truth
Past Tense
Past tense expresses an action or situation that was started and finished in the past. Most past tense verbs end in -ed. The irregular verbs have special past tense forms which must be memorized.
Example Form
W.W.II ended in 1945. Regular -ed past
Ernest Hemmingway wrote "The Old Man and the Sea." Irregular form
Future Tense
Future tense expresses an action or situation that will occur in the future. This tense is formed by using will/shall with the simple form of the verb.
The speaker of the House will finish her term in May of 1998.
The future tense can also be expressed by using am, is, or are with going to.
The surgeon is going to perform the first bypass in Minnesota.
We can also use the present tense form with an adverb or adverbial phrase to show future time.
The president speaks tomorrow. (Tomorrow is a future time adverb.)
Progressive Forms
Present Progressive Tense
Present progressive tense describes an ongoing action that is happening at the same time the statement is written. This tense is formed by using am/is/are with the verb form ending in -ing.
The sociologist is examining the effects that racial discrimination has on society.
Past Progressive Tense
Past progressive tense describes a past action which was happening when another action occurred. This tense is formed by using was/were with the verb form ending in -ing.
The explorer was explaining the lastest discovery in Egypt when protests began on the streets.
Future Progressive Tense
Future progressive tense describes an ongoing or continuous action that will take place in the future. This tense is formed by using will be or shall be with the verb form ending in -ing.
Dr. Jones will be presenting ongoing research on sexist language next week.
Perfect Forms
Present Perfect Tense
Present perfect tense describes an action that happened at an indefinite time in the past or that began in the past and continues in the present.This tense is formed by using has/have with the past participle of the verb. Most past participles end in -ed. Irregular verbs have special past participles that must be memorized.
Example Meaning
The researchers have traveled to many countries in order to collect more significant data. At an indefinite time
Women have voted in presidential elections since 1921. Continues in the present
Past Perfect Tense
Past perfect tense describes an action that took place in the past before another past action. This tense is formed by using had with the past participle of the verb.
By the time the troops arrived, the war had ended.
Future Perfect Tense
Future perfect tense describes an action that will occur in the future before some other action. This tense is formed by using will have with the past participle of the verb.
By the time the troops arrive, the combat group will have spent several weeks waiting.
Perfect Progressive Forms
Present Perfect Progressive
Present perfect progressive tense describes an action that began in the past, continues in the present, and may continue into the future. This tense is formed by using has/have been and the present participle of the verb (the verb form ending in -ing).
The CEO has been considering a transfer to the state of Texas where profits would be larger.
Past Perfect Progressive
Past perfect progressive tense describes a past, ongoing action that was completed before some other past action. This tense is formed by using had been and the present perfect of the verb (the verb form ending in -ing).
Before the budget cuts, the students had been participating in many extracurricular activities.
Future Perfect Progressive
Future perfect progressive tense describes a future, ongoing action that will occur before some specified future time. This tense is formed by using will have been and the present participle of the verb (the verb form ending in -ing).
By the year 2020, linguists will have been studying and defining the Indo-European language family for more than 200 years.
Using Verb Tenses
A verb indicates the time of an action, event or condition by changing its form. Through the use of a sequence of tenses in a sentence or in a paragraph, it is possible to indicate the complex temporal relationship of actions, events, and conditions
There are many ways of categorising the twelve possible verb tenses. The verb tenses may be categorised according to the time frame: past tenses, present tenses, and future tenses.
Verb Tense: Time
The four past tenses are
1. the simple past ("I went")
2. the past progressive ("I was going")
3. the past perfect ("I had gone")
4. the past perfect progressive ("I had been going")
The four present tenses are
1. the simple present ("I go")
2. the present progressive ("I am going")
3. the present perfect ("I have gone")
4. the present perfect progressive ("I have been going")
Note that the present perfect and present perfect progressive are a present not past tenses -- that idea is that the speaker is currently in the state of having gone or having been going.
The four future tenses are
1. the simple future ("I will go")
2. the future progressive ("I will be going")
3. the future perfect ("I will have gone")
4. the future perfect progressive ("I will have been going")
Verb Tense: Aspect
Verb tenses may also be categorised according to aspect. Aspect refers to the nature of the action described by the verb. There are three aspects: indefinite (or simple), complete (or perfect), continuing (or progressive).
The three indefinite tenses, or simple tenses, describe an action but do not state whether the action is finished:
• the simple past ("I went")
• the simple present ("I go")
• the simple future ("I will go")
A verb in the indefinite aspect is used when the beginning or ending of an action, an event, or condition is unknown or unimportant to the meaning of the sentence. The indefinite aspect is also used to used to indicate an habitual or repeated action, event, or condition.
The three complete tenses, or perfect tenses, describe a finished action:
• the past perfect ("I had gone")
• the present perfect ("I have gone")
• the future perfect ("I will have gone")
A verb in the complete aspect indicates that the end of the action, event, or condition is known and the is used to emphasise the fact that the action is complete. The action may, however, be completed in the present, in the past or in the future.
The three incomplete tenses, or progressive tenses, describe an unfinished action:
• the past progressive ("I was going")
• the present progressive ("I am going")
• the future progressive ("I will be going")
A verb in the continuing aspect indicates that the action, event, or condition is ongoing in the present, the past or the future.
It is also possible to combine the complete tenses and the incomplete tenses, to describe an action which was in progress and then finished:
• the past perfect progressive ("I had been going")
• the present perfect progressive ("I have been going")
• the future perfect progressive ("I will have been going")
The Function of Verb Tenses
The Simple Present Tense
The simple present is used to describe an action, an event, or condition that is occurring in the present, at the moment of speaking or writing. The simple present is used when the precise beginning or ending of a present action, event, or condition is unknown or is unimportant to the meaning of the sentence.
Each of the highlighted verbs in the following sentences is in the simple present tense and each sentence describes an action taking place in the present:
Deborah waits patiently while Bridget books the tickets.
The shelf holds three books and a vase of flowers.
The crowd moves across the field in an attempt to see the rock star get into her helicopter.
The Stephens sisters are both very talented; Virginia writes and Vanessa paints.
Ross annoys Walter by turning pages too quickly.
The simple present is used to express general truths such as scientific fact, as in the following sentences:
Rectangles have four sides.
Canada Day takes place on July 1, the anniversary of the signing of the British North America Act.
The moon circles the earth once every 28 days.
Calcium is important to the formation of strong bones.
Menarche and menopause mark the beginning and the ending of a woman's reproductive history.
The simple present is used to indicate a habitual action, event, or condition, as in the following sentences:
Leonard goes to The Jumping Horse Tavern every Thursday evening.
My grandmother sends me new mittens each spring.
In fairy tales, things happen in threes.
We never finish jigsaw puzzles because the cat always eats some of the pieces.
Jesse polishes the menorah on Wednesdays.
The simple present is also used when writing about works of art, as in the following sentences.
Lolly Willowes is the protagonist of the novel Townsend published in 1926.
One of Artemisia Gentleschi's best known paintings represents Judith's beheading of Holofernes.
The Lady of Shallot weaves a tapestry while watching the passers-by in her mirror.
Lear rages against the silence of Cordelia and only belatedly realizes that she, not her more vocal sisters, loves him.
The play ends with an epilogue spoken by the fool.
The simple present can also be used to refer to a future event when used in conjunction with an adverb or adverbial phrase, as in the following sentences.
The doors open in 10 minutes.
The premier arrives on Tuesday.
Classes end next week.
The publisher distributes the galley proofs next Wednesday.
The lunar eclipses begins in exactly 43 minutes.
The Present Progressive
While the simple present and the present progressive are sometimes used interchangeably, the present progressive emphasises the continuing nature of an act, event, or condition.
Each of the highlighted verbs in the following sentences is in the present progressive tense. In each sentence the on-going nature of the action is emphasised by the use of the present progressive rather than the simple present.
Nora is looking for the first paperback editions of all of Raymond Chandler's books.
Deirdre is dusting all the shelves on the second floor of the shop.
The union members are pacing up and down in front of the factory.
KPLA is broadcasting the hits of the 70s this evening.
The presses are printing the first edition of tomorrow's paper.
The present progressive is occasionally used to refer to a future event when used in conjunction with an adverb or adverbial phrase, as in the following sentences.
The doors are opening in 10 minutes.
The premier is arriving on Tuesday.
Classes are ending next week.
The publisher is distributing the galley proofs next Wednesday.
The Present Perfect Tense
The present perfect tense is used to describe action that began in the past and continues into the present or has just been completed at the moment of utterance. The present perfect is often used to suggest that a past action still has an effect upon something happening in the present.
Each of the highlighted compound verbs in the following sentences is in the present perfect tense.
They have not delivered the documents we need.
This sentence suggest that the documents were not delivered in the past and that they are still undelivered.
The health department has decided that all high school students should be immunised against meningitis.
The writer of this sentence uses the present perfect in order to suggest that the decision made in the past is still of importance in the present.
The government has cut university budgets; consequently, the dean has increased the size of most classes.
Here both actions took place sometime in the past and continue to influence the present.
The heat wave has lasted three weeks.
In this sentence, the writer uses the present perfect to indicate that a condition (the heat wave) began in past and continues to affect the present.
Donna has dreamt about frogs sitting in trees every night this week.
Here the action of dreaming has begun in the past and continues into the present.
The Present Perfect Progressive Tense
Like the present perfect, the present perfect progressive is used to describe an action, event, or condition that has begun in the past and continues into the present. The present perfect progressive, however, is used to stress the on-going nature of that action, condition, or event.
Each of the highlighted verbs in the following sentences is in the present perfect progressive tense and each sentence suggests that the action began in the past and is continuing into the present.
That dog has been barking for three hours; I wonder if someone will call the owner.
I have been relying on my Christmas bonus to pay for the gifts I buy for my large family.
They have been publishing this comic book for ten years.
We have been seeing geese flying south all afternoon.
Even though the coroner has been carefully examining the corpse discovered in Sutherland's Gully since early this morning, we still do not know the cause of death.
The Simple Past Tense
The simple past is used to describe an action, an event, or condition that occurred in the past, sometime before the moment of speaking or writing.
Each of the highlighted verbs in the following sentences is in the simple past tense and each sentence describes an action taking place at some point in past.
A flea jumped from the dog to the cat.
Phoebe gripped the hammer tightly and nailed the boards together.
The gem-stones sparkled in a velvet lined display case.
Artemisia Gentilsechi probably died in 1652.
The storyteller began every story by saying "A long time ago when the earth was green."
The Past Progressive Tense
The past progressive tense is used to described actions ongoing in the past. These actions often take place within a specific time frame. While actions referred to in the present progressive have some connection to the present, actions referred in the past progressive have no immediate or obvious connection to the present. The on-going actions took place and were completed at some point well before the time of speaking or writing.
Each of the highlighted verbs in the following sentences is in the past progressive tense.
The cat was walking along the tree branch.
This sentence describes an action that took place over a period of continuous time in the past. The cat's actions have no immediate relationship to anything occurring now in the present.
Lena was telling a story about the exploits of a red cow when a tree branch broke the parlour window.
Here the action "was telling" took place in the past and continued for some time in the past.
When the recess bell rang, Jesse was writing a long division problem on the blackboard.
This sentence describes actions ("ran" and "was writing") that took place sometime in the past, and emphasises the continuing nature of one of the actions ("was writing").
The archivists were eagerly waiting for the delivery of the former prime minister's private papers.
Here the ongoing action of "waiting" occurred at some time unconnected to the present.
Between 1942 and 1944 the Frank and Van Damm families were hiding in a Amsterdam office building.
In this sentence, the action of hiding took place over an extended period of time and the continuing nature of the hiding is emphasised.
The Past Perfect Tense
The past perfect tense is used to refer to actions that took place and were completed in the past. The past perfect is often used to emphasise that one action, event or condition ended before another past action, event, or condition began.
Each of the highlighted verbs in the following sentences is in the past perfect.
Miriam arrived at 5:00 p.m. but Mr. Whitaker had closed the store.
All the events in this sentence took place in the past, but the act of closing the store takes place before Miriam arrives at the store.
After we located the restaurant that Christian had raved about, we ate supper there every Friday.
Here the praise ("had raved") precedes the finding ("located") of the restaurant. Both actions took place sometime before the moment of speaking or writing.
The elephant had eaten all the hay so we fed it oats for a week.
In this sentence, both actions take place in the past, but the eating of the hay ("had eaten") preceded the eating of the oats ("fed").
The heat wave had lasted three weeks.
While the sentence "The heat wave has lasted three weeks" suggests that a condition began in the past and continues into the present, this sentence describes an action that began and ended sometime in the past ("had lasted"). By using the past perfect the writer indicates that the heat wave has no connection to any events occurring in the present.
After she had learned to drive, Alice felt more independent.
Here the learning took place and was completed at a specific time in the past. By using the past perfect rather than the simple past ("learned"), the writer emphasises that the learning preceded the feeling of independence.
The Past Perfect Progressive Tense
The past perfect progressive is used to indicate that a continuing action in the past began before another past action began or interrupted the first action.
Each of the highlighted compound verbs in the following sentences is in the past perfect progressive tense.
The toddlers had been running around the school yard for ten minutes before the teachers shooed them back inside.
Here the action of the toddlers ("had been running") is ongoing in the past and precedes the actions of the teachers ("shooed") which also takes place in the past.
We had been talking about repainting the front room for three years and last night we finally bought the paint.
In this example, the ongoing action of "talking" precedes another past action ("bought").
A construction crew had been digging one pit after another in the middle of my street for three days before they found the water main.
Here, the action of digging ("had been digging") took place in the past and occurred over a period of time. The digging was followed by the action of finding ("found").
Madeleine had been reading mystery novels for several years before she discovered the works of Agatha Christie.
In this sentence the act of discovery ("discovered") occurred in the past but after the ongoing and repeated action of reading ("had been reading").
The chef's assistant had been chopping vegetables for several minutes before he realized that he had minced his apron strings.
This sentence is a bit more complex in that it contains three different past verb tenses. The sequence of tenses conveys a complex set of information. The past perfect progressive ("had been chopping") is used to emphasise the ongoing nature of the past act of chopping. While a second past perfect progressive ("had been mincing") could be used, the past perfect ("had minced") is used to suggest that act of mincing was completed. The simple past ("realized") is used to describe the action closest to the present, an action that followed both the chopping and the mincing.
The Simple Future Tense
The simple future is used to refer to actions that will take place after the act of speaking or writing.
Each of the highlighted verbs in the following sentences is in the simple future tense.
They will meet us at the newest café in the market.
Will you walk the dog tonight?
At the feast, we will eat heartily.
Bobbie will call you tomorrow with details about the agenda.
The Smiths say that they will not move their chicken coop.
The Future Progressive Tense
The future progressive tense is used to describe actions ongoing in the future. The future progressive is used to refer to continuing action that will occur in the future.
Each of the highlighted compound verbs in the following sentences is in the future progressive tense.
The glee club will be performing at the celebration of the town's centenary.
Ian will be working on the computer system for the next two weeks.
The selection committee will be meeting every Wednesday morning.
We will be writing an exam every afternoon next week.
They will be ringing the bells for Hypatia next month.
The Future Perfect Tense
The future perfect is used to refer to an action that will be completed sometime in the future before another action takes place.
Each of the highlighted verbs in the following sentences is in the future perfect tense.
The surgeon will have operated on 6 patients before she attends a luncheon meeting.
In this sentence, the act of operating ("will have operated") takes place in the future sometime before the act of attending ("attends").
The plumber and his assistant will have soldered all the new joins in pipes before they leave for the next job.
Here, the plumbers' act of soldering ("will have soldered") will precede the act of leaving ("leave").
By the time you get back from the corner store, we will have finished writing the thank you letters.
In this sentence, the act of returning from the store ("get back") takes place after the act of writing ("will have written").
If this year is like last year, I will have finished my holiday shopping long before my brother starts his.
In this example, the act of finishing ("will have finished") occurs well before the act of starting ("starts").
They will have written their first exam by the time we get out of bed.
Here, the act of getting out of bed occurs sometime after the writing of the exam.
The Future Perfect Progressive Tense
The future perfect progressive tense is used to indicate a continuing action that will be completed at some specified time in the future. This tense is rarely used.
Each of the highlighted verbs in the following sentences is in the future perfect progressive tense.
I will have been studying Greek for three years by the end of this term.
In this sentence, the future perfect progressive is used to indicate the ongoing nature of the future act of the studying. The act of studying ("will have been studying") will occur before the upcoming end of term.
By the time the meeting is over, the committee will have been arguing about which candidate to interview for three hours.
Similarly in this sentence, the ongoing nature of a future act ("will have been arguing") is emphasised by the use of the future perfect progressive. The act of sustained arguing will take place before the meeting is over.
When he returns, the wine will have been fermenting for three months.
Here the ongoing action of fermentation will precede ("will have been fermenting") the act of returning.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Class Notes: Parallelism
Parallel Structure
Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance. This can happen at the word, phrase, or clause level. The usual way to join parallel structures is with the use of coordinating conjunctions such as "and" or "or."
Words and Phrases
With the -ing form (gerund) of words:
Parallel: Mary likes hiking, swimming, and bicycling.
With infinitive phrases:
Parallel: Mary likes to hike, to swim, and to ride a bicycle.
OR
Mary likes to hike, swim, and ride a bicycle.
(Note: You can use "to" before all the verbs in a sentence or only before the first one.)
Do not mix forms.
Example 1
Not Parallel:
Mary likes hiking, swimming, and to ride a bicycle.
Parallel:
Mary likes hiking, swimming, and riding a bicycle.
Example 2
Not Parallel:
The production manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurate ly, and in a detailed manner.
Parallel:
The production manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurately, and thoroughly.
Example 3
Not Parallel:
The teacher said that he was a poor student because he waited until the last minute to study for the exam, completed his lab problems in a careless manner, and his motivation was low.
Parallel:
The teacher said that he was a poor student because he waited until the last minute to study for the exam, completed his lab problems in a careless manner, and lacked motivation.
Clauses
A parallel structure that begins with clauses must keep on with clauses. Changing to another pattern or changing the voice of the verb (from active to passive or vice versa) will break the parallelism.
Example 1
Not Parallel:
The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, that they should not eat too much, and to do some warm-up exercises before the game.
Parallel:
The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, that they should not eat too much, and that they should do some warm-up exercises before the game.
— or —
Parallel:
The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, not eat too much, and do some warm-up exercises before the game.
Example 2
Not Parallel:
The salesman expected that he would present his product at the meeting, that there would be time for him to show his slide presentation, and that questions would be asked by prospective buyers. (passive)
Parallel:
The salesman expected that he would present his product at the meeting, that there would be time for him to show his slide presentation, and that prospective buyers would ask him questions.
Be sure to keep all the elements in a list in the same form.
Not Parallel:
The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to find word meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and looking up irregular verbs.
Parallel:
The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to find word meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and irregular verbs.
Proofreading Strategies to Try:
• Skim your paper, pausing at the words "and" and "or." Check on each side of these words to see whether the items joined are parallel. If not, make them parallel.
• If you have several items in a list, put them in a column to see if they are parallel.
• Listen to the sound of the items in a list or the items being compared. Do you hear the same kinds of sounds? For example, is there a series of "-ing" words beginning each item? Or do your hear a rhythm being repeated? If something is breaking that rhythm or repetition of sound, check to see if it needs to be made parallel.
Simple Parallelism
Parallel structure is really a matter of balance. Balancing a sentence can be compared to balancing a scale if we pretend that certain words -- and, or, but -- are the balancing points and if we understand that the words being balanced must carry the same "weight" in the sentence. One part of speech or of a sentence can be balanced only by one (or a series) of the same kind.
Notice that modifiers (like "down by the pier," "with the sunrise," and "of the fisherman") do not affect the balance of the sentences.
Unbalanced
I enjoy biking and to walk down by the pier.
Parallel
I enjoy biking and walking down by the pier.
This example sentence is unbalanced because "and" divides two different parts of speech. An "ing" word is used before and,while an infinitive, "to walk," is used after. To make the sentence parallel, simply use the same part of speech for both ideas.
Unbalanced
Boy Scouts at the camp can learn cooking, canoeing, swimming, or how to make ropes.
Parallel
Boy Scouts at the camp can learn cooking, canoeing, swimming, or rope-making.
Here again, the form of the last item, "how to make ropes," doesn't match the other items and seems too heavy. To balance the sentence, change the form to match as in the parallel example.
Unbalanced
Non-traditional students often study long hours, get limited sleep, and up again with the sunrise.
Parallel
Non-traditional students often study long hours, get limited sleep, and are up again with the sunrise.
This time the sentence is unbalanced because the first two phrases include verbs, "study" and "get," but the last phrase doesn't contain a verb. To be parallel, each phrase should follow the pattern of the first one in the series. This can be accomplished by adding a verb to the last phrase.
Parellelism using common connectors
A slightly different parallelism involves the common connectors-- either/or, neither/nor, not only/but also. Here, the kind of word or part of a sentence that follows the first connector must be the same as the kind following the second. Consider the following examples.
The storm front was moving either east through Minneapolis or northeast through Duluth.
Here the two prepositional phrases are parallel; they are the same kind of structure.
Unbalanced
The hurricane not only destroyed the fishing fleet but also the homes of the fishermen.
Parallel
The hurricane destroyed not only the fishing fleet but also the homes of the fishermen.
In this case, the verb "destroyed" cannot balance the noun "homes." The sentence should be rewritten so that "destroyed" appears before "not only" and so nouns follow both connectors.
Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance. This can happen at the word, phrase, or clause level. The usual way to join parallel structures is with the use of coordinating conjunctions such as "and" or "or."
Words and Phrases
With the -ing form (gerund) of words:
Parallel: Mary likes hiking, swimming, and bicycling.
With infinitive phrases:
Parallel: Mary likes to hike, to swim, and to ride a bicycle.
OR
Mary likes to hike, swim, and ride a bicycle.
(Note: You can use "to" before all the verbs in a sentence or only before the first one.)
Do not mix forms.
Example 1
Not Parallel:
Mary likes hiking, swimming, and to ride a bicycle.
Parallel:
Mary likes hiking, swimming, and riding a bicycle.
Example 2
Not Parallel:
The production manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurate ly, and in a detailed manner.
Parallel:
The production manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurately, and thoroughly.
Example 3
Not Parallel:
The teacher said that he was a poor student because he waited until the last minute to study for the exam, completed his lab problems in a careless manner, and his motivation was low.
Parallel:
The teacher said that he was a poor student because he waited until the last minute to study for the exam, completed his lab problems in a careless manner, and lacked motivation.
Clauses
A parallel structure that begins with clauses must keep on with clauses. Changing to another pattern or changing the voice of the verb (from active to passive or vice versa) will break the parallelism.
Example 1
Not Parallel:
The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, that they should not eat too much, and to do some warm-up exercises before the game.
Parallel:
The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, that they should not eat too much, and that they should do some warm-up exercises before the game.
— or —
Parallel:
The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, not eat too much, and do some warm-up exercises before the game.
Example 2
Not Parallel:
The salesman expected that he would present his product at the meeting, that there would be time for him to show his slide presentation, and that questions would be asked by prospective buyers. (passive)
Parallel:
The salesman expected that he would present his product at the meeting, that there would be time for him to show his slide presentation, and that prospective buyers would ask him questions.
Be sure to keep all the elements in a list in the same form.
Not Parallel:
The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to find word meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and looking up irregular verbs.
Parallel:
The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to find word meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and irregular verbs.
Proofreading Strategies to Try:
• Skim your paper, pausing at the words "and" and "or." Check on each side of these words to see whether the items joined are parallel. If not, make them parallel.
• If you have several items in a list, put them in a column to see if they are parallel.
• Listen to the sound of the items in a list or the items being compared. Do you hear the same kinds of sounds? For example, is there a series of "-ing" words beginning each item? Or do your hear a rhythm being repeated? If something is breaking that rhythm or repetition of sound, check to see if it needs to be made parallel.
Simple Parallelism
Parallel structure is really a matter of balance. Balancing a sentence can be compared to balancing a scale if we pretend that certain words -- and, or, but -- are the balancing points and if we understand that the words being balanced must carry the same "weight" in the sentence. One part of speech or of a sentence can be balanced only by one (or a series) of the same kind.
Notice that modifiers (like "down by the pier," "with the sunrise," and "of the fisherman") do not affect the balance of the sentences.
Unbalanced
I enjoy biking and to walk down by the pier.
Parallel
I enjoy biking and walking down by the pier.
This example sentence is unbalanced because "and" divides two different parts of speech. An "ing" word is used before and,while an infinitive, "to walk," is used after. To make the sentence parallel, simply use the same part of speech for both ideas.
Unbalanced
Boy Scouts at the camp can learn cooking, canoeing, swimming, or how to make ropes.
Parallel
Boy Scouts at the camp can learn cooking, canoeing, swimming, or rope-making.
Here again, the form of the last item, "how to make ropes," doesn't match the other items and seems too heavy. To balance the sentence, change the form to match as in the parallel example.
Unbalanced
Non-traditional students often study long hours, get limited sleep, and up again with the sunrise.
Parallel
Non-traditional students often study long hours, get limited sleep, and are up again with the sunrise.
This time the sentence is unbalanced because the first two phrases include verbs, "study" and "get," but the last phrase doesn't contain a verb. To be parallel, each phrase should follow the pattern of the first one in the series. This can be accomplished by adding a verb to the last phrase.
Parellelism using common connectors
A slightly different parallelism involves the common connectors-- either/or, neither/nor, not only/but also. Here, the kind of word or part of a sentence that follows the first connector must be the same as the kind following the second. Consider the following examples.
The storm front was moving either east through Minneapolis or northeast through Duluth.
Here the two prepositional phrases are parallel; they are the same kind of structure.
Unbalanced
The hurricane not only destroyed the fishing fleet but also the homes of the fishermen.
Parallel
The hurricane destroyed not only the fishing fleet but also the homes of the fishermen.
In this case, the verb "destroyed" cannot balance the noun "homes." The sentence should be rewritten so that "destroyed" appears before "not only" and so nouns follow both connectors.
Class Notes-Verbals-Practice Quiz
Gerund or Infinitive? - Quiz 2
Choose the correct verb form (gerund, infinitive or base form) to complete the question. Each question has only one correct answer. There are 30 questions to this quiz. Try to use only 30 seconds per question. At the end of the quiz, you will receive quiz feedback.
1: We plan _____ to London next year.
travelling
to travel
2: I'm afraid I don't recollect _______ an exam today!
to have
having
3: Peter reminded me ____ my medicine.
to take
take
taking
4: We postponed ______ until the following week.
to meet
meeting
5: I tend ___ very careful.
to be
being
6: I warned Alice ____ careful.
be
being
to be
7: Don't hesitate _____ if you need help.
calling
to call
8: They narrowly avoided _____ the bus.
to miss
missing
9: Jack begged ____ to the party.
coming
to come
10: She considered ______ homes.
to change
changing
11: They allowed their children _____ out late on Saturday.
to stay
staying
stay
12: She lets her son ____ to the concert.
to go
go
going
13: He doesn't care _____ the meeting next week.
attending
to attend
14: The crew delayed _____ the race for two hours.
to start
starting
15: I managed _____ awake until 3 in the morning.
staying
to stay
16: Mary pretended _____ about John.
caring
to care
17: Peter tolerates _____ late five nights a week.
to work
working
18: I urged them ____ their position.
to reconsider
reconsider
reconsidering
19: I highly recommend you _____ well for this test.
to prepare
preparing
prepare
20: I recommended _____ away for the weekend.
to go
going
21: She misses ______ golf on Sundays.
to play
playing
22: I invited him _____ me as soon as possible.
visiting
to visit
visit
23: He really deserves ______ happy.
being
to be
24: I'm afraid I can't afford _____ along this weekend.
to come
coming
25: Have you completed _____ in the form?
to fill
filling
26: We went _____ last weekend.
to ski
skiing
27: He keeps _____ to pass the exam with no luck!
trying
to try
28: I'm afraid I don't recall ______ you before.
to meet
meeting
29: Should I wait ____ to Peter about the problem?
talking
to talk
30: Do you regret ______ music at college?
to study
studying
ANSWER KEY
1. to travel 2. having 3. to take 4. meeting 5. to be 6. to be 7. to call 8. missing 9. to come 10. changing 11. to stay 12. go 13. to attend 14. starting 15. to stay 16. to care 17. working 18. to reconsider 19. prepare 20. going 21. playing 22. to visit 23. to be 24. to come 25. filling 26. skiing 27. trying 28. meeting 29. to talk 30. studying
Choose the correct verb form (gerund, infinitive or base form) to complete the question. Each question has only one correct answer. There are 30 questions to this quiz. Try to use only 30 seconds per question. At the end of the quiz, you will receive quiz feedback.
1: We plan _____ to London next year.
travelling
to travel
2: I'm afraid I don't recollect _______ an exam today!
to have
having
3: Peter reminded me ____ my medicine.
to take
take
taking
4: We postponed ______ until the following week.
to meet
meeting
5: I tend ___ very careful.
to be
being
6: I warned Alice ____ careful.
be
being
to be
7: Don't hesitate _____ if you need help.
calling
to call
8: They narrowly avoided _____ the bus.
to miss
missing
9: Jack begged ____ to the party.
coming
to come
10: She considered ______ homes.
to change
changing
11: They allowed their children _____ out late on Saturday.
to stay
staying
stay
12: She lets her son ____ to the concert.
to go
go
going
13: He doesn't care _____ the meeting next week.
attending
to attend
14: The crew delayed _____ the race for two hours.
to start
starting
15: I managed _____ awake until 3 in the morning.
staying
to stay
16: Mary pretended _____ about John.
caring
to care
17: Peter tolerates _____ late five nights a week.
to work
working
18: I urged them ____ their position.
to reconsider
reconsider
reconsidering
19: I highly recommend you _____ well for this test.
to prepare
preparing
prepare
20: I recommended _____ away for the weekend.
to go
going
21: She misses ______ golf on Sundays.
to play
playing
22: I invited him _____ me as soon as possible.
visiting
to visit
visit
23: He really deserves ______ happy.
being
to be
24: I'm afraid I can't afford _____ along this weekend.
to come
coming
25: Have you completed _____ in the form?
to fill
filling
26: We went _____ last weekend.
to ski
skiing
27: He keeps _____ to pass the exam with no luck!
trying
to try
28: I'm afraid I don't recall ______ you before.
to meet
meeting
29: Should I wait ____ to Peter about the problem?
talking
to talk
30: Do you regret ______ music at college?
to study
studying
ANSWER KEY
1. to travel 2. having 3. to take 4. meeting 5. to be 6. to be 7. to call 8. missing 9. to come 10. changing 11. to stay 12. go 13. to attend 14. starting 15. to stay 16. to care 17. working 18. to reconsider 19. prepare 20. going 21. playing 22. to visit 23. to be 24. to come 25. filling 26. skiing 27. trying 28. meeting 29. to talk 30. studying
Practice Quiz-Identifying Verbals
Identifying Verbals
When is a verb not a verb? When it's a verbal--that is, the form of a verb that functions as another part of speech. There are three types of verbals in English:
• participles
• gerunds
• infinitives
As we'll see, each of these verbals is often part of a phrase, which includes related modifiers, objects, or complements.
Participles
A participle is a verb form used as an adjective to modify nouns and pronouns. The following sentence contains both a present and a past participle:
The children, crying and exhausted, were guided out of the collapsed mine.
Crying is a present participle, formed by adding -ing to the present form of the verb (cry). Exhausted is a past participle, formed by adding -ed to the present form of the verb (exhaust). Both participles modify the subject, children.
All present participles end in -ing. The past participles of all regular verbs end in -ed. However, irregular verbs have various past participle endings (for instance, thrown. ridden, built, and gone).
A participial phrase is made up of a participle and its modifiers. A participle may be followed by an object, an adverb, a prepositional phrase, an adverb clause, or any combination of these. In this sentence, for example, the participial phrase consists of a present participle (holding), an object (the torch), and an adverb (steadily):
Holding the torch steadily, Merdine approached the monster.
In the next sentence, the participial phrase consists of a present participle (making), an object (a great ring), and a prepositional phrase (of white light):
Merdine waved the torch over her head, making a great ring of white light.
For more information about using participles and participial phrases, visit Creating and Arranging Participial Phrases.
Gerunds
A gerund is a verb form ending in -ing that functions in a sentence as a noun. Although both the present participle and the gerund are formed by adding -ing to a verb, note that the participle does the job of an adjective while the gerund does the job of a noun. Compare the verbals in these two sentences:
The children, crying and exhausted, were guided out of the collapsed mine.
Crying will not get you anywhere.
Whereas the participle crying modifies the subject in the first sentence, the gerund Crying is the subject of the second sentence.
Infinitives
An infinitive is a verb form--often preceded by the particle to--that can function as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb. Compare the verbals in these two sentences:
I don't like crying in public unless I'm getting paid for it.
I don't like to cry in public unless I'm getting paid for it.
In the first sentence, the gerund crying serves as the direct object. In the second sentence, the infinitive to cry performs the same function.
Exercise: Identifying Verbals
For each of the following sentences, decide if the word or phrase in bold is a participle, a gerund, or an infinitive. When you are done, compare your responses with the answers at the end of the exercise.
1. The wine urges me on, the bewitching wine, which sets even a wise man to singing and to laughing gently and rouses him up to dance and brings forth words which were better unspoken. (Homer)
2. The wine urges me on, the bewitching wine, which sets even a wise man to singing and to laughing gently and rouses him up to dance and brings forth words which were better unspoken. (Homer)
3. There are many ways of breaking a heart. Stories were full of hearts broken by love, but what really broke a heart was taking away its dream--whatever that dream might be. (Pearl Buck)
4. There are many ways of breaking a heart. Stories were full of hearts broken by love, but what really broke a heart was taking away its dream--whatever that dream might be. (Pearl Buck)
5. Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city. (George Burns)
6. Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city. (George Burns)
7. I don't want to achieve immortality through my work. I want to achieve it through not dying. (Woody Allen)
8. I don't want to achieve immortality through my work. I want to achieve it through not dying. (Woody Allen)
9. It is not enough to succeed. Others must fail. (Gore Vidal)
10. Succeeding is not enough. Others must fail.
Answers:
1. gerunds; 2. infinitive; 3. gerund; 4. (past) participle; 5. (present) participles; 6. gerund; 7. infinitives; 8. gerund; 9. infinitive; 10. gerund.
When is a verb not a verb? When it's a verbal--that is, the form of a verb that functions as another part of speech. There are three types of verbals in English:
• participles
• gerunds
• infinitives
As we'll see, each of these verbals is often part of a phrase, which includes related modifiers, objects, or complements.
Participles
A participle is a verb form used as an adjective to modify nouns and pronouns. The following sentence contains both a present and a past participle:
The children, crying and exhausted, were guided out of the collapsed mine.
Crying is a present participle, formed by adding -ing to the present form of the verb (cry). Exhausted is a past participle, formed by adding -ed to the present form of the verb (exhaust). Both participles modify the subject, children.
All present participles end in -ing. The past participles of all regular verbs end in -ed. However, irregular verbs have various past participle endings (for instance, thrown. ridden, built, and gone).
A participial phrase is made up of a participle and its modifiers. A participle may be followed by an object, an adverb, a prepositional phrase, an adverb clause, or any combination of these. In this sentence, for example, the participial phrase consists of a present participle (holding), an object (the torch), and an adverb (steadily):
Holding the torch steadily, Merdine approached the monster.
In the next sentence, the participial phrase consists of a present participle (making), an object (a great ring), and a prepositional phrase (of white light):
Merdine waved the torch over her head, making a great ring of white light.
For more information about using participles and participial phrases, visit Creating and Arranging Participial Phrases.
Gerunds
A gerund is a verb form ending in -ing that functions in a sentence as a noun. Although both the present participle and the gerund are formed by adding -ing to a verb, note that the participle does the job of an adjective while the gerund does the job of a noun. Compare the verbals in these two sentences:
The children, crying and exhausted, were guided out of the collapsed mine.
Crying will not get you anywhere.
Whereas the participle crying modifies the subject in the first sentence, the gerund Crying is the subject of the second sentence.
Infinitives
An infinitive is a verb form--often preceded by the particle to--that can function as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb. Compare the verbals in these two sentences:
I don't like crying in public unless I'm getting paid for it.
I don't like to cry in public unless I'm getting paid for it.
In the first sentence, the gerund crying serves as the direct object. In the second sentence, the infinitive to cry performs the same function.
Exercise: Identifying Verbals
For each of the following sentences, decide if the word or phrase in bold is a participle, a gerund, or an infinitive. When you are done, compare your responses with the answers at the end of the exercise.
1. The wine urges me on, the bewitching wine, which sets even a wise man to singing and to laughing gently and rouses him up to dance and brings forth words which were better unspoken. (Homer)
2. The wine urges me on, the bewitching wine, which sets even a wise man to singing and to laughing gently and rouses him up to dance and brings forth words which were better unspoken. (Homer)
3. There are many ways of breaking a heart. Stories were full of hearts broken by love, but what really broke a heart was taking away its dream--whatever that dream might be. (Pearl Buck)
4. There are many ways of breaking a heart. Stories were full of hearts broken by love, but what really broke a heart was taking away its dream--whatever that dream might be. (Pearl Buck)
5. Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city. (George Burns)
6. Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city. (George Burns)
7. I don't want to achieve immortality through my work. I want to achieve it through not dying. (Woody Allen)
8. I don't want to achieve immortality through my work. I want to achieve it through not dying. (Woody Allen)
9. It is not enough to succeed. Others must fail. (Gore Vidal)
10. Succeeding is not enough. Others must fail.
Answers:
1. gerunds; 2. infinitive; 3. gerund; 4. (past) participle; 5. (present) participles; 6. gerund; 7. infinitives; 8. gerund; 9. infinitive; 10. gerund.
Class Notes: Practice Quiz-Verbals
Gerund or Infinitive? - Quiz 1
Choose the correct verb form (gerund, infinitive or base form) to complete the question. Each question has only one correct answer. There are 30 questions to this quiz. Try to use only 30 seconds per question. At the end of the quiz, you will receive quiz feedback.
Class Notes: Gerunds and Infinitives
Gerunds and Infinitives: Their Noun Roles
Both gerunds and infinitives can be nouns, which means they can do just about anything that a noun can do. Although they name things, like other nouns, they normally name activities rather than people or objects. Here are five noun-uses of gerunds and infinitives (and one additional non-noun use, the adjective complement, that we throw in here, free of charge).
Gerunds and infintives can both function as the subject of a sentence:
a. Playing basketball takes up too much of her time.
b. To play basketball for UConn is her favorite fantasy.
It is not impossible for an infinitive to appear at the beginning of a sentence as the subject (as in Ib), but it is more common for an infinitive to appear as a Subject Complement:
a. Her favorite fantasy is to play basketball for UConn.
The gerund can also play this role:
b. Her favorite fantasy is playing basketball for UConn.
Both of these verbal forms can further identify a noun when they play the role of Noun Complement and Appositive:
a. Her desire to play basketball for UConn became an obsession.
b. I could never understand her desire to play basketball for UConn.
c. Her one burning desire in life, playing basketball for UConn, seemed a goal within reach.
The infinitive is often a complement used to help define an abstract noun. Here is a very partial list of abstract nouns, enough to suggest their nature. Try following these adjectives with an infinitive phrase (their desire to play in the championship game, a motivation to pass all their courses, her permission to stay up late, a gentle reminder to do your work) to see how the phrase modifies and focuses the noun.
| advice
| opportunity
| refusal
|
| | | |
Infinitive phrases often follow certain adjectives. When this happens, the infinitive is said to play the role of Adjective Complement. (This is not a noun function, but we will include it here nonetheless.)
a. She was hesitant to tell the coach of her plan.
b. She was reluctant to tell her parents, also.
c. But she would not have been content to play high school ball forever.
Here is a list of adjectives that you will often find in such constructions.
| ahead
| determined
| lucky
|
Although we do not find many infinitives in this next category, it is not uncommon to find gerunds taking on the role of Object of a Preposition:
a. She wrote a newspaper article about dealing with college recruiters.
b. She thanked her coach for helping her to deal with the pressure.
Two prepositions, except and but, will sometimes take an infinitive.
a. The committee had no choice except to elect Frogbellow chairperson.
b. What is left for us but to pack up our belongings and leave?
And, finally, both gerunds and infinitives can act as a Direct Object:
GERUNDS & INFINITIVES GUIDE
A GERUND is a verb in its "ing" form (the present participle); for example, raining, dancing, laughing, thinking, creating, running, and so on.
By definition, they are activities . either physical or mental.
These words function as NOUNS in a sentence:
The subject of the verb: Swimming is a lot of fun and good exercise.
The object of the verb: I really like swimming.
The object of a preposition: I am looking forward to swimming in the ocean.
1.1 GERUNDS AS THE SUBJECT OF THE SENTENCE
Any activity that can be expressed with the "ing" form of a verb can be the subject of a sentence.
All gerunds can be the subject of a sentence.
Breathing is necessary.
Driving a car requires good vision.
Helping other people feels good.
1.2 GERUNDS AS THE OBJECT OF A PREPOSITION
Prepositions (for, with, about, &) must be followed by an object.
The object can be a noun or a gerund (a verb acting as a noun).
I am tired of waking up too early.
I look forward to meeting your friend.
I am interested in learning baseball.
She is responsible for implementing new policy.
Here are some verbs plus a preposition followed by a gerund:
to complain about __________ing
to insist on __________ing
to participate in __________ing
to apologize for __________ing
to object to __________ing
to look forward to __________ing
to think of __________ing
to win by __________ing
to take part in __________ing
1.2.2 Verb + Object + Preposition
Here are some verbs plus an object plus a preposition followed by a gerund:
to have difficulty in __________ing
to take advantage of __________ing
to have a good reason for __________ing
to prevent someone from __________ing
to keep someone from __________ing
to stop someone from __________ing
to thank someone for __________ing
to blame someone for __________ing
to accuse someone of __________ing
to charge someone with __________ing
to fine someone for __________ing
1.2.3 To Be + Adjective + Preposition
Here are some combinations of the verb "to be" plus an adjective plus a preposition followed by a gerund:
to be accustomed to __________ing
to be interested in __________ing
to be excited about __________ing
to be capable of __________ing
to be responsible for __________ing
to be used to __________ing
to be tired of __________ing
to be bored with __________ing
to be good for __________ing
to be good at __________ing
to be bad at __________ing
to be guilty of __________ing
1.2.4 To Be + Noun + Preposition
Here are some combinations of the verb "to be" plus an object plus a preposition followed by a gerund:
to be a victim of __________ing
to be an advocate of __________ing
to be a believer in __________ing
to be a supporter of __________ing
to be a critic of __________ing
When it comes to gerunds as the object of a verb, not all verbs are equal.
That is, some verbs can take a gerund as their objects, but other verbs cannot.
(Some verbs can take infinitives as their objects. Some verbs never take an object at all.)
These differences can only be learned, as individual vocabulary items.
Here are some verbs that are followed by a gerund.
(These verbs can be followed by any gerund. The gerunds used in these sentences are only examples.)
I admit losing the combination to the safe.
I advise finding a good lawyer.
I don't anticipate waiting very much longer.
I appreciate hearing a good joke.
I avoid flying as much as I can.
Would you consider selling your share of the company?
We will delay signing an agreement.
I deny saying that.
We must discuss hiring more people.
I dislike eating alone.
I enjoy talking with new people.
I fear losing his confidence.
When I finish typing this, I'll help you.
I gave up explaining my position to them.
I often go dancing.
I can't help thinking that we could have done better.
I can't imagine spending that much money.
Business trips involve waiting in airports and staying in hotels.
They keep saying that, but they don't do anything about it.
Did I mention seeing him yesterday?
I don't mind working on the weekend.
I will miss seeing you around.
They postponed starting construction until next year.
You should practice using set phrases.
I quit smoking six years ago.
I recall meeting him a long time ago.
I don't recollect being there.
I recommend having the New York steak.
I resent having to sign in each morning.
I couldn't resist telling them.
We should not risk losing their trust.
I hope they stop making so much noise so I can get some sleep.
He suggested starting my own agency.
They won't tolerate trading insider information.
An infinitive may exist with or without the word "to".
For example, following modal verbs (can, may, must, ... ).
Infinitives with the word "to" can function as either the SUBJECT or the OBJECT of a verb.
2.1 INFINITIVES AS THE SUBJECT OF THE SENTENCE
To read a good book is my favorite form of relaxation.
To win means everything to him.
To speak a foreign language well requires practice.
2.2 INFINITIVES AS THE OBJECT OF THE VERB
Most people like to win.
I don't want to go.
We don't need to fight like this. 2.2.1 Verb + Infinitive
Here are some verbs that are followed by an infinitive.
(These verbs can be followed by any infinitive. The infinitives used in these sentences are only examples.)
We can't afford to remain outside the market.
Should we agree to buy from them?
It appears to be a mistake.
I will arrange to talk with them as soon as possible.
I asked to see the manager about it.
I beg to differ with you, sir.
Would you care to try a California wine?
They claim to make the best potato chips in the world.
We will never consent to allow your name to be put on our product.
Finally, I decided to do it myself.
I demand to know who is responsible for this!
He deserves to get a promotion.
She expects to hire an apprentice.
Do not fail to let us know your decision.
If you have trouble, don't hesitate to call us for help.
We hope to begin by next week.
I intend to go home early.
He learned to speak English as a child.
You managed to overlook something.
Did you mean to put my report in the waste basket?
I need to talk to an expert.
They offered to buy the rest from us.
We plan to expand our product range.
Are you prepared to explain this disaster?
I don. t pretend to know all the answers.
I promise to do my best.
He refuses to answer my calls.
He seems to be the one who is in charge.
We had to struggle to open the window.
Do you swear to keep this a secret?
They threatened to sue us if we didn't pay their fee.
No one volunteered to clean up after the picnic.
I cannot wait to see the expression on his face when he hears the news.
I want to find the right person for this job.
I do not wish to be a part of your scheme.
2.2.2 Verb + Pronoun/Noun + Infinitive
Here are some verbs plus an indirect object followed by an infinitive.
(These verbs can be followed by any infinitive. The infinitives used in these sentences are only examples.)
I would advise you to say nothing about this.
Will you allow me to use your telephone?
She asked me to help her with her car.
He begged me to let him come along.
The weather caused us to take a later flight.
He challenged me to find an error in his figures.
We must convince them to investigate the situation.
I dare you to tell him what you told me.
I encouraged her to continue with the task.
He expects you to finish on time.
I forbid you to use that tone of voice with me.
They forced him to reveal his source.
We should hire someone to run our photocopying operation.
I instructed them to wait for us here.
I invited John to take part in our discussion.
I need you to tell me what is going on here.
My boss ordered me to go to London last week.
We permitted them to talk to our client.
He persuaded her to listen to his problem.
He reminded me to bring an umbrella.
This situation requires us to be very cautious.
The experience taught me to buckle my seat belt.
He told me to take two aspirins and go to bed.
She urged me to take the job.
I want you to wash my car.
He warned me not to drive too fast around here.
Some verbs can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive.
Sometimes, there is no difference in meaning.
Sometimes there is.
3.1 VERB + INFINITIVE = VERB + GERUND
These verbs can be followed by either an infinitive or a gerund, with NO DIFFERENCE IN MEANING.
| He began to shout. He started to shout. He continued to shout. I like to read. I love to read. I prefer to read. I hate to wait. I can't stand to wait. I can't bear to wait. | = = = = = = = = = | He began shouting. He started shouting. He continued shouting. I like reading. I love reading. I prefer reading. I hate waiting. I can't stand waiting. I can't bear waitin |
3.2 VERB + INFINITIVE ¹ VERB + GERUND
Some verbs can be followed by either an infinitive or a gerund, but THEIR MEANINGS ARE NOT THE SAME:
| I will remember to call her.
| ≠ | I remember calling her.
|
| I will not forget to meet him.
| ≠ | I will never forget meeting them.
|
| I regret to say he is not here.
| ≠ | I regret saying it.
|
| I will try to ring the bell.
| ≠ | I will try ringing the bell.
|
| I stopped to smoke at ten o. clock.
| ≠ | I stopped smoking a year ago.
|
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