Page 104 - BASIC GRAMMAR PRACTICE

Gerunds and infinitives

69 Prepositions + gerund

• When a verb follows an preposition, it takes the gerund:
We thought about leaving early.
1 was worried about getting home.
I'm interested in hearing more about your offer.
I'm tired of hearing Ids excuses.
After closing the door, he looked up and down the street.
Check your passport before leaving.

NOTES
• Note That to can be a preposition, or part of an infinitive:
/ decided to leave early, {to + infinitive)
I'm looking forward to seeing them again, [to + gerund)
• A gerund behaves like a noun. Where a gerund can be used, a noun can also be used.
I'm looking forward to going on holiday.
I'm looking fonvard to my holiday.

Practice

Complete these sentences, putting the verbs into the gerund and using one of the
following prepositions. Some of them are used more than once.

about of in to after
by for on at without

1 We talked ..about going_ (go) to France for our holiday.
2 I look forward (see) you again next year.
3 She's tired (work) for the company.

4 I'm very happy my parents
(come) home.
5 (open) the front door, I walked slowly through it.

6 We got into the house (climb) through
a window.
7 I'm looking forward (work) with you.
8 Are you interested (join) the committee?

9 I'm tired (come) to the same place every week.
10 He's very keen (swim) at the moment.
11 I'm worried Jane (get]
to the airport on time.

12 I'm not interested (hear) your excuses.
13 She's very good (listen) to what people say.
14 This is used (cut) metal.
15 The car drove off (stop).
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