Some verbs are followed by a preposition, and when the thing after that preposition is another verb, the verb takes -ing. This unit covers verb + preposition + -ing and verb + object + preposition + -ing.
A Verb + preposition + -ing
Many verbs are followed by a preposition and then an object: talk about the problem, apologise for the delay.
When the object is itself a verb, that verb takes -ing. A preposition is never followed by the infinitive, however hard the sentence may try.
| Verb + preposition | + -ing |
|---|---|
| approve of | approve of shouting |
| decide against | decide against selling |
| dream of | dream of retiring |
| feel like | feel like going out |
| insist on | insist on paying |
| look forward to | look forward to seeing |
| succeed in | succeed in finding |
| think of / think about | think of moving |
You can also put a person between the preposition and the -ing: approve of somebody doing something, look forward to somebody doing something.
- We talked about renting a cottage in the Lakes.
- You ought to apologise for not ringing her back.
- My grandad doesn't approve of eating in the street.
- We've decided against buying a dog until the kids are older.
- I wouldn't dream of asking my parents for a loan.
- I don't feel like cooking tonight. Shall we get a takeaway?
- Rhian insisted on driving me to the station.
- Are you looking forward to starting your new job?
- Has Callum succeeded in fixing the boiler yet?
- We're thinking about moving to Harrogate.
- I don't approve of children staying up past midnight.
- We're all looking forward to Nana coming for Christmas.
B Verb + object + preposition + -ing
Some verbs take an object first, then the preposition, then -ing:
| Verb ... preposition | Example |
|---|---|
| accuse ... of | She accused him of reading her diary. |
| congratulate ... on | We congratulated Dev on passing his test. |
| prevent ... from | The fog prevented us from landing. |
| stop ... from | The noise didn't stop me from sleeping. |
| suspect ... of | The police suspected the cashier of taking the money. |
| thank ... for | I thanked the nurses for looking after me. |
With stop, the word from is optional: stop somebody doing and stop somebody from doing are both correct.
The negative is not -ing: accused me of not paying.
Accuse and suspect are often passive: He was accused of cheating. She was suspected of lying.
Note the pattern apologise to somebody for something. One apologises to a person; one does not apologise them.
- Nobody can stop you leaving if you want to.
- Nobody can stop you from leaving if you want to.
- My sister accused me of not listening.
- The players were accused of fixing the match.
- The caretaker was suspected of starting the fire.
- I apologised to the neighbours for parking across their drive.
Exercises
62.1 Complete each sentence with one word only.
The builders apologised for making such a mess.
The builders apologised for making such a mess.
I'm worn out. I don't feel like anything tonight.
I'm worn out. I don't feel like doing anything tonight.
I said I'd get the bus, but my mum insisted on me home.
I said I'd get the bus, but my mum insisted on driving me home.
I've worked in a bank for ten years. I'm thinking of a different career.
I've worked in a bank for ten years. I'm thinking of trying a different career.
Flights are very expensive this year, so we've decided against abroad.
Flights are very expensive this year, so we've decided against going abroad.
After three hours on the phone, Dad finally succeeded in to a real person.
After three hours on the phone, Dad finally succeeded in speaking to a real person.
Ever since she was little, Ffion has dreamed of in a band.
Ever since she was little, Ffion has dreamed of playing in a band.
My cousins are coming over from Canada next month. I'm looking forward to them.
My cousins are coming over from Canada next month. I'm looking forward to seeing them.
62.2 Complete each sentence with a preposition and one of these verbs, in the correct form.
bebreakbuyeatgo outhelplendmovepayplaytake off
I don't feel like going out tonight. I'd rather stay in with a film.
I don't feel like going out tonight. I'd rather stay in with a film.
The shop assistant suspected the boy in, because the back window was smashed.
The shop assistant suspected the boy of breaking in, because the back window was smashed.
We sat on the runway for two hours. A problem with the engine prevented us .
We sat on the runway for two hours. A problem with the engine prevented us from taking off.
This flat is far too small for us now. We're thinking .
This flat is far too small for us now. We're thinking of moving.
I offered to pay for the taxi, but Gareth insisted it himself.
I offered to pay for the taxi, but Gareth insisted on paying it himself.
I've been in meetings since seven. I'm looking forward something hot.
I've been in meetings since seven. I'm looking forward to eating something hot.
You owe your brother an apology. You should apologise to him so unkind.
You owe your brother an apology. You should apologise to him for being so unkind.
They've put up a sign to stop children football in the car park.
They've put up a sign to stop children playing football in the car park.
I couldn't have moved house on my own. Thank you very much me.
I couldn't have moved house on my own. Thank you very much for helping me.
Nobody can accuse me not generous. I gave him my last fiver.
Nobody can accuse me of not being generous. I gave him my last fiver.
Mia has decided a new phone. She's going to get the old one repaired instead.
Mia has decided against buying a new phone. She's going to get the old one repaired instead.
62.3 Read what each person says, then report it with the verb given and a preposition + -ing.
Kevin speaks to you: "Thanks for fixing my bike. That was kind of you."
Kevin thanked me ...
Kevin thanked me for fixing his bike.
Kevin thanked me for fixing his bike.
Rob speaks to Nadia: "No, really, I'll carry your suitcase. I insist."
Rob insisted ...
Rob insisted on carrying Nadia's suitcase.
Ellie speaks to you: "I hear you passed your driving test. Well done!"
Ellie congratulated me ...
Ellie congratulated me on passing my driving test.
Priya speaks to Tom: "Thank you for feeding the cat while I was away."
Priya thanked ...
Priya thanked Tom for feeding the cat while she was away.
Owen speaks to you: "Sorry I forgot your birthday."
Owen apologised ...
Owen apologised for forgetting my birthday.
Carys speaks to you: "You never listen to a word I say."
Carys accused ...
Carys accused me of never listening to her.