Test your knowledge of preposition plus ing structures with this engaging 20-question quiz! Learn how to use prepositions correctly with gerunds and improve your grammar skills with detailed explanations for every answer.
Short Definitions and Examples:
A preposition plus -ing occurs when a verb in its -ing form (gerund) follows a preposition. This structure is common because prepositions are always followed by nouns, pronouns, or gerunds (not infinitives).
Examples:
- After + ing
- She went to bed after finishing her homework.
(“Finishing” is the gerund after the preposition “after.”)
- She went to bed after finishing her homework.
- Before + ing
- Wash your hands before eating.
(“Eating” is the gerund after the preposition “before.”)
- Wash your hands before eating.
- By + ing
- You can save time by taking the shortcut.
(“Taking” is the gerund after the preposition “by.”)
- You can save time by taking the shortcut.
- Without + ing
- He left the house without saying goodbye.
(“Saying” is the gerund after the preposition “without.”)
- He left the house without saying goodbye.
- On + ing
- On hearing the news, she started crying.
(“Hearing” is the gerund after the preposition “on.”)
- On hearing the news, she started crying.
Key Point:
Always use the -ing form of the verb after a preposition, not the base form or infinitive.
Results
#1. She apologized ___ breaking the vase.
The preposition “for” is used to show the reason for apologizing. “Breaking” follows the preposition.
#2. He succeeded ___ solving the puzzle.
“In” is the correct preposition to indicate success in an activity, followed by “solving.”
#3. They are afraid ___ failing the test.
“Afraid of” is a common collocation, and “failing” is the gerund that follows the preposition.
#4. I look forward ___ meeting you.
“Look forward to” is a fixed expression, and “meeting” is the gerund that comes after “to.”
#5. She is good ___ painting landscapes.
The preposition “at” is used to indicate skill, followed by the gerund “painting.”
#6. He left the room ___ saying a word.
“Without” is used to indicate the absence of an action, followed by “saying.”
#7. She improved her skills ___ practicing daily.
“By” is used to show the means of improvement, followed by the gerund “practicing.”
#8. They prevented her ___ making a mistake.
“Prevent from” is a common phrase, and “making” is the gerund that follows “from.”
#9. He is interested ___ learning new languages.
“Interested in” is a common expression, followed by the gerund “learning.”
#10. The police stopped him ___ driving too fast.
“Stop from” is used to indicate prevention, followed by “driving.”
#11. She insisted ___ paying for the meal.
“Insist on” is a fixed expression, followed by “paying.”
#12. They succeeded ___ completing the project on time.
“Succeed in” is the correct phrase, followed by the gerund “completing.”
#13. He is tired ___ working late every night.
“Tired of” is the correct expression, followed by “working.”
#14. She thanked them ___ helping her.
“Thank for” is used to express gratitude, followed by “helping.”
#15. We are thinking ___ going on a trip.
“Think about” is the correct phrase, followed by the gerund “going.”
#16. The cat is scared ___ being outside.
“Scared of” is a common collocation, followed by the gerund “being.”
#17. They accused him ___ stealing the money.
“Accuse of” is a fixed phrase, followed by “stealing.”
#18. He is excited ___ starting his new job.
“Excited about” is the correct collocation, followed by “starting.”
#19. She is proud ___ winning the competition.
“Proud of” is a fixed expression, followed by “winning.”
#20. The children are busy ___ playing games.
“Busy with” is the correct expression, followed by the gerund “playing.”
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