OXFORD PRACTICE GRAMMAR
66 QUESTION WORD + TO-INFINITIVE B Structures with what to do, where to go, etc
Before the question word we can use a verb such as ask, decide, discover,
discuss,
explain, find out, forget, know, learn, remember, say, think, understand,
wonder.
It was a real problem. I couldn't think what to do.
We were wondering where to park the car.
Matthew wants to know how to work the computer.
Have Trevor and Laura decided when to have their barbecue?
Sometimes there is a verb + object before the question word. In
this structure we can use advise, ask, show, teach and tell.
Tom showed me how to change a wheel.
The guide didn't tell the tourists when to be back at the coach.
Before the question word we can also use the adjectives clear, obvious and
sure and the
expressions have an idea and make up your mind.
I wasn't sure who to ask for help. Claire doesn't have much idea how to
cook.
A preposition (e.g. of) can come before the question word.
There's the question of who to invite to the reception. You need
to be informed about what to do in an emergency.
C Why, what, whose, which and whether
We cannot use why before a to-infinitive.
No one could explain why we had to wait, NOT No-one-could- explain-why-
to-wait.
After what, which, whose, how many and how much, we can use a noun.
Sarah and Mark were discussing what colour to paint the walls. We

...............................
2 Structures with what to do, where to go, etc (B)
Look at the questions and then complete the paragraph about a man coming
out of prison. Use a
question word and a to-infinitive.
► How should he start a new life? 3 How can he find somewhere to live?
1 What can he expect? 4 What should he do?
2 Where should he go? 5 Who can he contact?
This man will have problems when he leaves prison. He needs advice on
(►) how to start a new life.
After a long time in prison, he isn't sure (1)……………………………….. in
the outside world and he has
no idea (2) ………………………………..He doesn't know (3)
..............................................a place to live either.
But he won't be completely alone. A social worker will advise him (4)
............................ ...,
so he'll know (5) ...................................... if he needs help.
3 Question word + to-infinitive (B-C)
You are finding it very difficult to make your mind up.
Complete your answers to the questions. Use a question word and a to-
infinitive.
? Rachel: Are you going to buy that sweater?
You; I don't know whether to buy it or not.
? Tom: What time do you think we should leave?
You: I'm not really sure what time to leave.
1 Daniel: Do you want to do business studies?
You: I'm wondering ....................................................... business studies or
statistics.
2 Vicky: How much money should we spend on the present?
You: I've no idea .....................................................on it.