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You are here: Home / Lessons / Words that cannot be followed by infinitives

Words that cannot be followed by infinitives

September 14, 2015 - pdf

The infinitive cannot be used with certain words which require a preposition followed by a gerund (ing form). Here is a list of verbs that are followed by preposition + ing form.

He is addicted to gambling. (NOT He is addicted to gamble.)

I don’t believe in pampering children.

He is bent on going abroad.

I had hardly any chance of succeeding.

I am confident of winning.

He is desirous of winning the first prize.

There is some difficulty in understanding his motive.

She excels in singing.

She is averse to cooking.

You have no excuse for behaving impolitely.

He is an expert in telling stories.

I am fond of reading books.

We were fortunate in securing their support.

His illness prevented him from going abroad.

I insisted on having my say.

He is intent on marrying his childhood sweetheart.

He despaired of achieving his goal.

You were not justified in insulting him.

He has a knack of doing things.

I understand the necessity of acting promptly.

He persisted in disobeying my orders.

Though he is a great scholar, he lacks the power of imparting.

It was only a pretext for delaying the matter.

The practice of cramming should be discouraged.

I had the privilege of being their guest.

They were prohibited from entering their village.

You should refrain from hurting her feelings.

There is hardly any satisfaction in sitting idle.

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