f a preposition (in/for/about etc.) is followed by a verb, the verb ends in -ing:
preposition verb (-ing)
- Are you interested in working for us?
- I’m not good at learning languages.
- Kate must be fed up with studying.
- What are the advantages of having a car?
- Thanks very much for inviting me to your party.
- How about meeting for lunch tomorrow?
- Why don’t you go out instead of sitting at home all the time?
- Amy went to work in spite of feeling ill.
before -ing, after -ing:
- Before going out, I phoned Sarah. (not Before to go out)
- What did you do after leaving school?
You can also say ‘Before I went out …’ and ‘… after you left school’.
by -ing (to say how something happens):
- You can improve your English by reading more.
- She made herself ill by not eating properly.
- Many accidents are caused by people driving too fast.
- The burglars got into the house by breaking a window and climbing in.
without -ing:
- We ran ten kilometres without stopping.
- It was a stupid thing to say. I said it without thinking.
- She needs to work without people disturbing her. or … without being disturbed.
- I have enough problems of my own without having to worry about yours.
to + -ing (look forward to doing something etc.)
We often use to + infinitive (to do / to see etc.):
- We decided to travel by train.
- Would you like to meet for lunch tomorrow?
But to is also a preposition (like in/for/about/with etc.). For example:
* We went from Paris to Geneva.
* I prefer tea to coffee.
* Are you looking forward to the weekend?
If we use a preposition + verb, the verb ends in -ing:
* I’m fed up with travelling by train.
* How about going away this weekend?
So, when to is a preposition and it is followed by a verb, we use to -ing:
* I prefer driving to travelling by train. (not to travel)
* Are you looking forward to going on holiday? (not looking forward to go)
Amy is 90 years old, but she’s fit and healthy.
Amy is fit and healthy despite being 90 years old
(despite ?)
