Verb + Preposition + -ing
Using the -ing form after verb + preposition combinations like succeed in, insist on, accuse of
The Basic Pattern
Many verbs in English are followed by a preposition. When the next word after that preposition is a verb, it must take the -ing form.
| verb + preposition + noun | We talked about the project. |
| verb + preposition + -ing | We talked about postponing the project. |
This is the same rule you already know: after a preposition, always use -ing (never the infinitive).
- She apologised for missing the deadline. (not
to miss) - They insisted on reviewing the contract before signing. (not
to review)
Common Verb + Preposition Combinations
Here are the most useful ones for the workplace:
| Verb + preposition | Example |
|---|---|
| succeed in | We finally succeeded in closing the deal. |
| insist on | The client insisted on meeting in person. |
| think of / about | I’m thinking of applying for the manager position. |
| dream of | She wouldn’t dream of leaving the company right now. |
| feel like | I don’t feel like attending another meeting today. |
| look forward to | We’re looking forward to working with your team. |
| approve of | The board doesn’t approve of spending that much on travel. |
| decide against | After some discussion, we decided against hiring a consultant. |
Watch out for look forward to. The word “to” here is a preposition, not part of an infinitive. So you say:
- I’m looking forward to seeing you at the conference. (not
to see)
Somebody + -ing
You can also put a person (or noun) between the preposition and the -ing form. The meaning is that someone else does the action.
- I don’t approve of employees skipping meetings without notice.
- We’re all looking forward to the new director starting next month.
Verb + Object + Preposition + -ing
Some verbs follow a different pattern: verb + object + preposition + -ing. The object is the person affected by the action.
| Verb + object + preposition | Example |
|---|---|
| accuse … of | He accused me of leaking the information. |
| congratulate … on | I congratulated her on getting the promotion. |
| prevent … from | The delay prevented us from finishing on time. |
| stop … from | Nothing will stop them from launching the product. |
| suspect … of | They suspected him of falsifying the expense reports. |
| thank … for | She thanked the team for staying late to fix the bug. |
With stop, you can drop “from” and say:
- You can’t stop me doing what I want. = You can’t stop me from doing what I want.
Both forms are correct.
Negative -ing
To make the -ing part negative, put not before the -ing form:
- He accused me of not telling the truth.
- She apologised for not finishing the report on time.
Passive Forms
Several of these verbs are common in the passive:
- We were accused of breaking the terms of the agreement.
- The manager was suspected of accepting bribes.
A Note on “apologise”
When you apologise to a specific person, the structure is apologise to somebody for -ing:
- I apologised to the client for keeping them waiting. (not
I apologised the client)
Quick Self-Check
Our team finally succeeded _____ a solution to the server problem.
Select your answer:
We're all looking forward to _____ with the new supplier.
Select your answer:
The manager accused him of _____ confidential data.
Select your answer:
She apologised _____ late to the meeting.
Select your answer:
Bad weather prevented the shipment from _____ on time.
Select your answer: