EnglishClub ESL Forums

Hello, dear ALAN!

We know that after the verbs begin, start, commence, intend, bother, propose,
neglect and a few verbs we can use the infinitive or gerund form of the verb with
no or little difference in meaning. I have seen this rule many times in lots of
English grammar books. For example, in “Advanced grammar in Use” (M.Hewings)
the following rule is given:

The verbs begin, cease, start, and continue can be followed by
either a to-infinitive or an an – ing form with little difference in meaning.

Even though it was raining, they continued to play/playing.

I was given a difficult test by some teacher the other day. I had to choose only one
answer because of the requirement of the test. The question-test is as follows:

His son had to leave school and started … at an office as a clerk.

a) working
b) to work
c) work
d) worked

In this case, do the answers (a) & (b) contradict each other? Does “little difference in
meaning” in the above-mentioned rule apply here? On the whole, what is the significant
difference between the infinitive and gerund when using after these verbs?

I always rely on your answers.
Respectfully,
SardorBEK

Either (a) or (b) would be grammatically acceptable and no, they would not contradict each other.

In general, however, except where the action comes to a sudden/premature halt (apparently not the case here) the gerund is generally preferred, and, for that reason, (a) would be my choice in this case.