Page 148 - EL108 Learrning Module

Using a Possessive to Modify a Gerund

Think Tank!

WRITING TIPS
Thank-you notes, whether for business or otherwise, often have these key

phrases:

1. thank you for + gerund
2. be interested in + gerund

3. enjoy + gerund
4. look forward to + gerund

5. appreciate your taking the time + infinitive

6. have the opportunity/chance + infinitive

When you use these words, be sure to check that you have the correct
gerund or infinitive form after them.

Using a gerund as the subject of a sentence rather than an infinitive is more

common. In the passage about onions, cutting onions or washing an onion is
preferable to the infinitive forms: to cut or to wash.

However, if you want to express the idea of in order to, use an infinitive: to
cut an onion, use a sharp knife. The meaning is "In order to cut an onion, use a

sharp knife."

Teaching and Assessment of Grammar 136