Choose the correct form of the verb in brackets: the gerund (-ing form) or the to-infinitive.
Need help? See the gerunds and to-infinitives guide.
The house at the end of the road
Leo was looking after his aunt’s old house for the weekend. On Saturday night, he had planned (watch) a film, but a storm knocked out the electricity. When a shadow moved past the window, he crouched behind the sofa to avoid (be seen) . A few minutes later, there was a noise upstairs, and he stopped (listen) .
(hear) footsteps in an empty house was enough to make him nervous. Still, he forced himself (keep) (move) rather than stand in the dark hallway. The attic door appeared (be) slightly open, but Leo was too frightened (climb) the stairs. He called his aunt (ask) whether anyone else had a key. She laughed and admitted (leave) the attic window open. The “footsteps” were a loose shutter banging against the roof.
