Unit 69 Verbs with `-ing' clauses

Main points

* Many verbs are followed by an `-ing' clause.

* Some verbs are followed by an object and an `-ing' clause that describes what the object is doing.

1 Many verbs are followed by an `-ing' clause. The subject of the verb is also the subject of the `-ing' clause. The `-ing' clause begins with an `-ing' form. The most common of these verbs are:

* verbs of saying and thinking

admit, consider, deny, describe, imagine, mention, recall, suggest

He denied taking drugs.
I suggested meeting her for a coffee.

Note that all of these verbs except for `describe' can also be followed by a `that'-clause. See Unit 76.
He denied that he was involved.

* verbs of liking and disliking

adore, detest, dislike, dread, enjoy, fancy, like, love, mind, resent

Will they enjoy using it?
I don't mind telling you.
`Like' and `love' can also be followed by a `to'-infinitive clause. See Unit 71.


* other common verbs

avoidcommencedelayfinishinvolvekeep
misspostponepractiseresistriskstop

I've just finished reading that book.
Avoid giving any unnecessary information.

* common phrasal verbs

burst out, carry on, end up, give up, go round, keep on, put off, set about

She carried on reading.
They kept on walking for a while.

Note that some common phrases can be followed by an `-ing' clause.

can't helpcan't standfeel like

I can't help worrying.

2 After the verbs and phrases mentioned above, you can also use `being' followed by a past participle.
They enjoy being praised.
I dislike being interrupted.

After some verbs of saying and thinking, you can use `having' followed by a past participle.

admitdenymentionrecall

Michael denied having seen him.

3 `Come' and `go' are used with `-ing' clauses to describe the way that a person or thing moves.
They both came running out.
It went sliding across the road out of control.
`Go' and `come' are also used with `-ing' nouns to talk about sports and outdoor activities. See Unit 56.

Did you say they might go camping?

4 Some verbs can be followed by an object and an `-ing' clause. The object of the verb is the subject of the `-ing' clause.

catchimaginepreventwatch
findleavestop

It is hard to imagine him existing without it.
He left them making their calculations.

Note that `prevent' and `stop' are often used with `from' in front of the `-ing' clause.
I wanted to prevent him from seeing that.

Most verbs of perception can be followed by an object and an `-ing' clause or a base form. See Unit 72.
I saw him riding a bicycle.
I saw a policeman walk over to one of them.
See also Unit 94 for `-ing' clauses after nouns.