Some nouns and adjectives can be followed by -ing forms. There are also some nouns and adjectives that can be followed by either an -ing form or an infinitive.
Test your knowledge of infinitives and -ing forms with this grammar test. There are 10 questions in this test. Each question is followed by three suggested answers. Choose the most appropriate one.
1I hate the idea ............... old.
Wrong!
Use "of getting" after the noun phrase "the idea" when it is followed by a gerund phrase.
2The thought ............... never entered his head.
Wrong!
Use "of failing" after "the thought" when talking about the idea of something happening.
3She is very good ............... problems.
Wrong!
Use "at solving" after "good" because the preposition "at" is followed by a gerund.
4I am tired ............... to advice.
Wrong!
Use "of listening" after "tired" to mean annoyed or bored by something repeated.
5A strimmer is a machine ............... grass and weeds.
Wrong!
Use "for cutting" to describe the purpose of a machine.
6I must find something ............... that fly.
Wrong!
Use "to kill" after "something" to show the purpose of finding it.
7I am proud ............... won.
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
Both "of having" and "to have" can follow "proud" in this sentence.
8You can't make an omelette without ............... eggs.
Wrong!
Use "breaking" after the preposition "without".
9I look forward to ............... from you.
Wrong!
Use "hearing" after "look forward to" because "to" is a preposition here.
10I am not used to ............... in London.
Wrong!
Use "driving" after "be used to" because "to" is a preposition here.
Answers
- I hate the idea of getting old.
- The thought of failing never entered his head.
- She is very good at solving problems.
- I am tired of listening to advice.
- A strimmer is a machine for cutting grass and weeds.
- I must find something to kill that fly.
- I am proud of having / to have won.
- You can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs.
- I look forward to hearing from you.
- I am not used to driving in London.
