Some nouns, adjectives and verbs are followed by ing forms. Some are followed by infinitives.
This grammar exercise tests your ability to use these structures correctly.
Fill in the blanks.
1. I hate the idea ……………….. old.
The noun idea is followed by a preposition + ing form.
2. The thought ……………… never bothered him.
The noun thought is followed by a preposition + ing form.
3. She is very clever ……………….. problems.
The adjective clever is followed by the preposition at + ing form.
4. Have you got anything ………………. flies?
After something and anything, we use for + ing form to explain the purpose of an object.
5. You can’t eat meat without …………….. an animal.
After a preposition, we use an ing form.
6. You must always check the oil before ……………… the vehicle.
After a preposition, we use an ing form.
7. I am not used to ………………. in a major city.
When to is a preposition, it is followed by an ing form. A common expression in which this happens is ‘be used to’.
8. Do you object to ……………. on weekends?
In the expression object to, ‘to’ is a preposition. We use ing forms after prepositions.
9. Be careful when you talk to him. He is inclined to ……………… his temper.
The verb inclined is followed by a to-infinitive.
10. We are waiting for the guests …………….
The verb wait is followed by for + object + infinitive.
11. We regret …………… passengers that the flight to Amsterdam has been cancelled.
Regret is followed by an infinitive in announcements of bad news.
12. I regret ……………… out of college. It was a big blunder.
Regret is followed by an ing form to refer back to the past.
Answers
1. I hate the idea of getting old.
2. The thought of failing never bothered him.
3. She is very clever at solving problems.
4. Have you got anything for killing flies?
5. You can’t eat meat without killing an animal.
6. You must always check the oil before starting the vehicle.
7. I am not used to living in a major city.
8. Do you object to working on weekends?
9. Be careful when you talk to him. He is inclined to lose his temper.
10. We are waiting for the guests to arrive.
11. We regret to inform passengers that the flight to Amsterdam has been cancelled.
12. I regret dropping out of college. It was a big blunder.
