English Grammar

Verb Patterns 3

Subject + Verb + Gerund

In this structure the gerund is used as the object of the transitive verb.

I enjoy playing.
I don’t mind working late hours.
He prefers boxing to wrestling.
I couldn’t help overhearing their conversation.
She likes swimming.
I love working in my garden.

Gerund after prepositions

A gerund is often placed after a preposition. Note that we cannot use an infinitive after a preposition.

He earns his living by working in a factory.
She is good at painting.
A red pencil is used for marking mistakes.
He got married only after getting a good job.
John left the party without thanking his host.
Are you interested in learning astrology?

Causative use of ‘have’

Getting something done by somebody else is expressed by the structure have/get + object + past participle.

I must get the roof repaired.
You must get your shoes mended.
I had my watch repaired.
She has had her photograph taken.

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