Verbs followed by -ing

ScottsEnglish

Some English verb combinations are followed by the -ing form

We recently heard in an oral exam, "I am looking forward to go to the UK to study."

But this is wrong! It should be, "I am looking forward to going to the UK to study."

There are many phrasal verb and other verb constructions which take the -ing (gerund) form of the verb. Some examples are:

can't stand - I can't stand being late to class.
can't help - She can't help feeling proud of her success.
feel like - They feel like going swimming because of the heat.
be no use - There is no use crying after the loss. 
be worth - It's hard but it is worth fighting for.
not mind - I don't mind getting up early in the morning.
be / get used to - We need to get used to reading the news on our telephones.
avoid - Please avoid sitting on these chairs until the paint is dry.
look forward to - The student is looking forward to studying in the UK.

Put the correct verb form in the following sentences:

1. Did it take you long to ____________________________ eating rice every day in Thailand?

2. It ______________________ trying to get good grades in high school.

3. Students must ______________________ running in the halls between classes.

4. I __________________________ eating pasta tonight.

5. My mother ______________________ watching football matches on television.

Click here for the correct answers:

1. Did it take you long to get used to eating rice every day in Thailand?

2. It is worth trying to get good grades in high school.

3. Students must avoid running in the halls between classes.

4. I feel like eating pasta tonight.

5. My mother can't stand watching football matches on television.