How to use the -ING form of verbs in English

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Did you know that there are at least four different ways to use the -ing form of verbs in English?

You might already know one or two of these, but after today’s lesson you’ll have a more complete understanding of when we use verbs in the -ING form, like reading, watching, and so on.

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Let’s learn about -ING verbs!

#1 – Use the -ING form of verbs in continuous tenses

Continuous tenses are when an action is in progress, for example:

Present continuous:

• I’m studying English.
• She’s watching TV.
• We’re having lunch at the moment.

Present perfect continuous:

• I’ve been thinking a lot about this decision.
• He’s been working here since 1995.
• They’ve been waiting for you for an hour.

Past continuous:

• When I came home last night, you were already sleeping.
• I found $10 on the street while I was jogging in the park.

Future continuous:

• Sorry, I can’t meet with you tomorrow afternoon. I’ll be taking my friend to the airport.

#2 – Use the -ING form when the verb is the subject of the sentence

• Skiing is my favorite winter sport.
• Eating vegetables is good for your health.
• Living in an English-speaking country helps you improve your English fast.

#3 – Use the -ING form after prepositions

• I improved my English by practicing every day.
• We left the party after saying goodbye to everyone.
• I can’t believe he passed the test without studying at all!
• They’ve made a lot of money since launching their new product.
• I want to talk to you about investing in the stock market.

Exception: Never use the -ING form after “to”:

• I need to practice my English more.
• My mother told me to study for the test.
• We’d like to invest in this technology.
• The girl didn’t want to leave the party.

#4 – Use the -ING form after these verbs in English

Here are some common verbs in English that are followed by -ing.

• admit
  The politician admitted stealing millions of dollars.
• avoid
  You should avoid eating after 10 PM.
• consider
  Have you considered buying a laptop computer?
• enjoy
  I enjoy surfing and playing tennis.
• finish
  I finally finished cleaning the house at midnight.
• can’t stand
  I can’t stand going to parties where I don’t know anyone.
• don’t mind
  I don’t mind working overtime.
• look forward to
  I look forward to seeing you next week.
• keep (continue)
  My ex-boyfriend keeps calling me even though I’ve told him I don’t want to talk to him!
• practice
  I need to practice writing in English.
• spend (time)
  My roommate spends hours watching TV.
• stop
  He stopped smoking ten years ago.
• suggest/ recommend
  I suggest taking some time off.
  The doctor recommended getting more rest.

Start, like, and love can be used with the infinitive or -ing. Both are correct!

• • The baby started to cry.
    = The baby started crying.
  • I like to run.
    = I like running.
  • We love reading.
    = We love to read.