Here’s a nice grammar question for you:
Which of the following sentences is/are correct?
a) I recommend starting the project next month.
b) I recommend to start the project next month.
c) I recommend that we start the project next month.
The answer is at the bottom of the page. If you got it right, you can give yourself a pat on the back and needn’t carry on reading.
Some verbs take the gerund …
If you weren’t sure, here’s the explanation: the infinitive can’t be used after the verb recommend. Recommend takes the gerund (the -ing form of the verb). The same is true for many other commonly used verbs. Here are just a few examples:
I suggest taking the train.
His job involves contacting potential customers.
I can’t imagine living in a small town.
They considered opening a new branch.
You can find a full list here
The negative is formed by adding not in front of the gerund:
Would you mind not smoking?
I can’t imagine not having a dog.
In some cases as in c) above it is also possible to use a phrase with that.
… and so do prepositions
If a prepositions is followed by a verb, this verb is also in the gerund form.
So it’s:
Are you involved in organizing the annual conference?
I must apologize for being late.
I look forward to hearing from you.
In the last sentence to is not part of the infinitive of hear, but a preposition belonging to look forward. Another example is get used to: I’ve never got used to getting up early.
Answer: a) and c) are both correct.
