verb + preposition + -ing

Many verbs can be used in the pattern verb + preposition + -ing. For example, the verbs succeed + (in) and look forward + to are used in this way:

1.	The lecturer	succeeded in	getting	the audience's attention.
		verb	-ing
2.	Mary said she's	looking forward to	seeing	you next weekend.
		verb	-ing

Here are some of the most common verbs and their associated prepositions that are also used in this way:

**Verbs used in the pattern verb + preposition + -*ing* form**
insist on	think of	dream of / about	participate in	approve of
talk about	agree on	feel like	work on	decide on / against
apologise for	believe in	depend on	get on with	pay for

Here are some examples of these. Study these and then try the exercise which follows.

1. I've always dreamt of living in Tahiti.
2. they talked about moving to New Zealand.
3. I don't feel like going there tonight.
4. I'm thinking of buying a house in Shekou.
5. We decided against moving to New Zealand.
6. The President doesn't approve of drinking, that's why they removed the staff bar.
7. If you participate in doing anything, try to do it well.
8. I am working on improving my spelling.
9. We depend on doing most of our business at Christmas.
10. Stop talking and get on with doing this exercise.
11. She doesn't believe in dieting, just lots of exercise.
12. I apologise for losing your essays.
13. He had to pay for drinking so much Champagne.
14. They couldn't agree on lowering tarriffs, so had to meet again later.

Exercise: verb + preposition + -ing

This exercise uses these verbs. Select which is the best answer from the drop down list.

Enter your name:

1. The neighbours next door the night before.

2. We've this year as its too expensive.

3. You know I've a house by the sea.

4. I'm really not to the new building.

5. She herself although he wanted to pay it all.

6. The Smiths an extension built at the back.

7. If you all your final exams I'll buy you a new car.

8. In Macau there are many casinos, but they in Hong Kong.

9. They are , and it will probably be controlled by the Jockey Club.

10. Do you or would would you prefer Chinese food?

11. I to lend me some money.

12. I before trying to find a solution.

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