Fill in the blanks with an ing form or an infinitive.
1. The thought ………………………… never entered his head.
The noun thought is followed by of + ing form. The infinitive is not possible in this case.
2. She is quite good ………………………. puzzles.
The adjective good is followed by at + ing form.
3. I am tired ………………………. to your advice.
The adjective tired is followed by of + ing form.
4. You can’t talk without ………………………. your mouth.
When we put a verb after a preposition, it is usually in the ing form.
5. We managed to finish the job by ……………………….. over time.
When we put a verb after a preposition, it is usually in the ing form.
6. We repaired the roof instead of …………………………. on vacation.
When we put a verb after a preposition, it is usually in the ing form.
7. I look forward to ……………………….. a grandmother.
The ‘to’ in the expression ‘look forward to’ is a preposition. We use an ing form after a preposition.
8. I am not used to ………………………… in big cities.
The ‘to’ in the expression ‘be used to’ is a preposition. We use an ing form after a preposition.
9. He objects to ……………………… on weekends.
The ‘to’ in the expression ‘object to’ is a preposition. We use an ing form after a preposition.
10. They don’t permit ………………………… in the conference hall.
When there is no object, we use an ing form after permit.
11. We regret ………………………. you that the flight has been cancelled.
Regret is followed by an infinitive in announcements of bad news.
12. The principal has forbidden students ……………………….. in the corridors.
When there is an object, we use an infinitive after forbid.
Answers
1. The thought of failing never entered his head.
2. She is quite good at solving puzzles.
3. I am tired of listening to your advice.
4. You can’t talk without opening your mouth.
5. We managed to finish the job by working over time.
6. We repaired the roof instead of going on vacation.
7. I look forward to becoming a grandmother.
8. I am not used to living in big cities.
9. He objects to working on weekends.
10. They don’t permit smoking in the conference hall.
11. We regret to inform you that the flight has been cancelled.
12. The principal has forbidden students to sing in the corridors.
