8 Begin and start can be followed by -ing or infinitive structures, usually with no real difference of meaning. It is perhaps more common to use an -ing form when we are talking about the beginning of a long or habitual activity.
How old were you when you first started playing the piano?
The-ing form is not used after a progressive form of begin or start.
I was beginning to get angry. (Not: * ... getting ... )
After begin and start, the verbs understand and realize are only used in the infinitive.
She began to understand what he really wanted. (Not: * ... understanding )
9 After propose, attempt, intend, continue, can't bear and be accustomed to, both structures are possible with little difference of meaning, but the infinitive is probably more common after propose, attempt and intend.
I can't bear getting/to get my hands dirty. He intends to double the advertising budget.
10 Sorry is used with an infinitive when we apologize for something that we are doing or about to do.
Sorry to disturb you - could I speak to you for a moment?
When we apologize for something that we have done, we use a perfect infinitive, or for +-ing, or a that-clause.
Sorry to have woken you up yesterday. I'm sorry for waking you up (or for having woken you up) yesterday. I'm sorry that I woke you up yesterday.
11 can't bear or can't stand?
Can't bear means 'to dislike something very much' and is common in both written and spoken English:
He can't bear smoking. I can't bear to hear that music - turn it down. I can't bear that music - turn it down.
Can't stand also means 'to dislike something very much' but is more common in spoken English:
Lily can't stand working in an office. I can't stand TV commercials. I can't stand that singer.
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