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10.2 Gerunds as the Object of a Preposition

Preposition + Gerund
We believe in working hard.
He has a good reason for missing class.
They are afraid of making a big mistake.

1. A gerund or gerund phrase can be the object They’re excited about going to Hawaii.
of a preposition. He’s good at managing people.
2. Gerunds are used after many noun + They had a good reason for being late.
preposition combinations. Here are some We had a choice between taking the test on
common noun + preposition combinations: Monday or Tuesday.

choice between need for
in danger of reason for
3. Gerunds are used after many verb + preposition She worries about finding a job after college.
combinations. Here are some common verb + Do you feel like seeing a movie tonight?
preposition combinations: I succeeded in not looking at my phone for two
hours.
believe in succeed in
dream about talk about
feel like think about
plan on worry about
4. Gerunds are used in many adjective + Is she sad about leaving?
preposition combinations. The verb be is usually I’m nervous about giving the presentation.
used before the combination. Here are some I’m tired of not feeling well.
common adjective + preposition combinations:
afraid of nervous about
excited about sad about
good at tired of
interested in upset about
5. Use by + a gerund to tell how something is done. I learned how to fix my bike by watching a video.

* See page A5 for different patterns with gerunds.

6 Complete each sentence with the correct preposition and the gerund form of the verb
in parentheses.

1. We planned on seeing (see) the sights during our business trip.

2. Angela is interested (take) a photography class after school.

3. I got good grades in college (study) every night.

4. Mitchell is thinking (go) to Montreal this summer.

5. My brother had to make a choice (fix) his car or

(buy) a new one.

6. Nadine is very good (solve) problems at work.

UNIT 10 LESSON 1 267
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