⚙️ C1 Lesson 4: Complex Gerund & Infinitive Structures
At this mastery level, we move beyond basic verb patterns. While you know that some verbs are followed by a gerund1 and others by an infinitive2, today we will master how these forms are used in more complex structures3, particularly after adjectives and prepositions. This will add significant flexibility and sophistication to your writing.
Pattern 1: Adjective + to-infinitive
We often use an infinitive after an adjective to give a reason for the feeling or quality described.
Structure: Subject + be + Adjective + (for someone) + to-infinitive
- "I was happy to see you at the party." (The infinitive explains why I was happy.)
- "This grammar point is difficult to understand." (The infinitive explains the difficulty.)
- "It is important for the government to listen to its people." (Using 'for + object' specifies who should do the action.)
Pattern 2: Preposition + Gerund (Common Collocations)
You know that a verb following a preposition must be a gerund. At the C1 level, it's important to master common collocations4 (adjective + preposition + gerund).
interested in + -ing: "She is interested in applying for the scholarship."
successful in + -ing: "They were successful in getting the new contract."
accused of + -ing: "The man was accused of stealing the ancient artifact."
apologize for + -ing: "He apologized for making a mistake."
Pattern 3: Noun + to-infinitive
An infinitive is often used to modify5 a noun, explaining its purpose, goal, or function.
"His decision to move to Battambang was a good one."
"Her ability to speak four languages is impressive."
"It was a brilliant plan to save the company."
🧠 Practice Quiz: Choose the Correct Form
Complete the sentences with the correct gerund or infinitive form.
- It is necessary for all employees _______ (attend) the safety training.
Answer: to attend - She insisted on _______ (pay) for the meal, even though I offered.
Answer: paying (The verb follows the preposition 'on'.) - His failure _______ (follow) the instructions resulted in the project's delay.
Answer: to follow (The infinitive modifies the noun 'failure'.) - I was disappointed _______ (not be) selected for the team.
Answer: not to be (The negative infinitive follows the adjective 'disappointed'.) - He is famous for _______ (write) some of Cambodia's most beloved songs.
Answer: writing (The verb follows the preposition 'for'.)
📝 Homework: Create Complex Sentences
Write one original sentence for each of the following prompts, using the target structure.
- Use the pattern 'adjective + to-infinitive' to describe a personal quality.
(Example: I am always eager to learn new things.)
_________________________________________ - Use the pattern 'preposition + gerund' to describe something you did recently.
(Example: I apologized to my friend for forgetting her birthday.)
_________________________________________ - Use the pattern 'noun + to-infinitive' to describe a past decision.
(Example: My decision to study abroad was the best choice I ever made.)
_________________________________________
Vocabulary Glossary
- Gerund: (Noun) - កិរិយានាម (kĕ'rĭ'yaa'néam) - A verb form which functions as a noun, ending in "-ing". ↩
- Infinitive: (Noun) - កិរិយាស័ព្ទដើម (kĕ'rĭ'ya'sâp daem) - The basic form of a verb, usually with 'to'. ↩
- Structure: (Noun) - រចនាសម្ព័ន្ធ (rô'châ'na'sâm'poan) - The way in which the parts of a system or object are arranged. ↩
- Collocation: (Noun) - ឃ្លាដែលប្រើជាមួយគ្នា (khlea dael prae chiə'muəy'knea) - A group of two or more words that are almost always used together (e.g., 'interested in'). ↩
- Modify: (Verb) - កែប្រែ (kae'prae) - In grammar, to add information to another word to change its meaning. ↩