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Gerunds after Prepositions
This is a good rule. It has no exceptions!
If we want to use a verb after a preposition, it must be a gerund. It is impossible to use an infinitive after a preposition. So for example, we say:
- I will call you after arriving at the office.
- Please have a drink before leaving.
- I am looking forward to meeting you.
- Do you object to working late?
- Tara always dreams about going on holiday.
Notice that you could replace all the above gerunds with "real" nouns:
- I will call you after my arrival at the office.
- Please have a drink before your departure.
- I am looking forward to our lunch.
- Do you object to this job?
- Tara always dreams about holidays.
The above rule has no exceptions!
So why is "to" followed by "driving" in 1 and by "drive" in 2?
- I am used to driving on the left.
- I used to drive on the left.
Show answerHide answer
| to as preposition |
Preposition |
|
| I am used |
to |
driving on the left. |
| I am used |
to |
animals. |
| to as infinitive |
Infinitive |
|
| I used |
to drive |
on the left |
| I used |
to smoke. |
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Gerunds after Certain Verbs »
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