Double construction verbs/help

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Double construction verbs/help
Message from angrepa posted on 23-03-2013 at 22:39:58 (D | E | F)
Hello,

very interesting exercise No.98312, but it was a bit difficult for me to understand when to use either the to-infinitive or the -ing form. I made a mess.
Could you give a brief explanation about the difference?
I´d appreciate your help.

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Edited by lucile83 on 23-03-2013 23:06

Re: Double construction verbs/help from notrepere, posted on 23-03-2013 at 22:51:49 (D | E)
Hello

Here is something that might help:
Link

Suffice it to say that some verbs can be used in either form, some only in the infinitive form and others only in the -ing. You just need to memorize them.

Re: Double construction verbs/help from gerondif, posted on 23-03-2013 at 23:11:08 (D | E)
Hello,

If I look at that lesson, I might want to change *one sentence or one explanation:

I - To be afraid to + infinitive To be afraid + préposition + ing (avoir peur de)

Somebody is looking at this abrupt cliff. She could say:

a) I am afraid to climb this abrupt cliff (She is afraid to do it * but she intends to do it nevertheless or she may have to do it).

(I am afraid to hurt you if we start boxing because I am bigger and stronger than you.)(you hesitate to act)(You are reluctant to do it)

b) I am afraid of sliding on this abrupt cliff (I am afraid because I might slide ) (You are afraid of the consequences that might happen in spite of your carefulness)

Despite the negotiations, the workers are afraid of being laid off (consequences) (so they are afraid to go on strike)(afraid to act)

II - To be sorry to + V infinitif or to be sorry for + V en ing( être désolé, être navré)

a) I am sorry to interrupt what you are saying but, may I ask you a question ?
You are sorry for what you are doing as you speak.

b) He said to his friend, I am sorry for losing my temper yesterday = I am sorry because I lost my temper yesterday, it happened before, it is a regret about a past action.

In English, for + ing has a past meaning:
"He was arrested for fighting" actually means; "He was arrested for "having fought""
Thank you for helping me means: I thank you because you have helped me.

Re: Double construction verbs/help from notrepere, posted on 23-03-2013 at 23:26:26 (D | E)
Hello gerondif

Honestly, this sentence does not sound correct to me in the infinitive form:

I am afraid to hurt you if we start boxing because I am bigger and stronger than you.

You could use the verb "box" in the infinitive form here, though:

I am afraid to box you because I might hurt you.

I am afraid of hurting you if we start boxing... sounds OK to me.

When you say "I am afraid to hurt you...", it sounds more like a "fear" (I'm scared of doing it) instead of "I'm worried that I might..." and it almost sounds like you want to hurt them.

I am afraid to hurt you, but I will if I have to.

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I am sorry to interrupt you but ... this sounds much more harsh. It sounds like you intended to cut off their talking.
I am sorry for... sounds much more polite; I don't really want to do it but...

Re: Double construction verbs/help from gerondif, posted on 23-03-2013 at 23:35:04 (D | E)
Hello np,
I see what you mean, as I re read my post, the sentence "I am afraid of hurting you if I box with you" was lurking at the back of my head....

If "I am afraid" is closer to "I don't really want to", it could make sense though but it is a little "tiré par les cheveux" (far fetched).

Yes, "sorry for barging in" would sound more normal but then you apologize just after barging in....

What I intended to be clear (afraid to act versus afraid of the consequences) will be dimmer to angrepa after all our doubts.

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