Representing thinking, perceiving, liking and desiring

Students' problems

page 4 of  8

Choosing between to-infinitive and the -ing form

Many students are unsure about which form of the verb should follow the first verb in double-verb structures :

We should consider to put some poison down to kill the rats.
(TeleNex Students)

It is useful for students to be aware that with thinking verbs in double-verb structures, the second verb is more commonly the -ing form:

We should consider putting some poison down to kill the rats.

For further information about double-verb structures with thinking verbs, see
Representing thinking, perceiving, liking and desiring: Using verb patterns to represent thoughts and beliefs (p 8).

Introduction
Patterns associated with report structures
Problems associated with the that clause
Choosing between to-infinitive and the -ing form
Inappropriate use of distancing devices
Problems with the order of participants
Metaphorical meanings
Problems with wish and hope