Using -ing in English: Simple Rules & Examples

Dialogue

Emma: Hey, Jake! What are you doing?

Jake: Hi, Emma! I’m reading a book about space. It’s really interesting!

Emma: Wow! I love learning about space. I was thinking about watching a documentary on it.

Jake: That sounds fun! I enjoy watching documentaries too.

Emma: Yes! And I don’t mind spending hours just exploring new topics.

Jake: Me too! I was planning on joining an astronomy club.

Emma: That’s a great idea! I keep dreaming about becoming an astronaut!

He is reading a book about space.

When Do We Use -ing in English?

In English, we use -ing in different situations. Let’s look at the most common ones.

1. Continuous (Progressive) Tenses

We use -ing in continuous tenses to talk about actions happening now, in the past, or in the future.

  • Present Continuous: I am reading a book.

  • Past Continuous: She was watching a movie.

  • Future Continuous: They will be traveling next week.

2. After Certain Verbs

Some verbs are followed by -ing instead of the infinitive (to + verb).

  • Enjoy: I enjoy playing football.

  • Mind: She doesn’t mind waiting.

  • Keep: He keeps talking in class.

  • Love, Like, Hate: They love dancing.

  • Finish, Avoid, Consider: She finished writing her essay.

3. As a Subject or Object (Gerunds)

  • Swimming is fun. (Subject)

  • I like reading. (Object)

4. After Prepositions

We always use -ing after a preposition (in, on, at, about, without, etc.).

  • I am good at drawing.

  • She left without saying goodbye.

  • They are interested in learning French.

5. After Some Expressions

Some common expressions are followed by -ing:

  • It’s no use crying over spilt milk.

  • I can’t help laughing at his joke.

  • She is busy preparing dinner.

Practice

Fill in the blanks with the correct -ing form of the verb in parentheses:

  1. I enjoy __________ (listen) to music.

  2. She is interested in __________ (study) science.

  3. He keeps __________ (ask) questions.

  4. We were __________ (walk) in the park when it started to rain.

  5. I don’t mind __________ (wait) for a few minutes.

Answers:

  1. listening

  2. studying

  3. asking

  4. walking

  5. waiting

Summary

  • Use -ing for continuous tenses.

  • Use -ing after certain verbs (enjoy, mind, keep, etc.).

  • Use -ing as a subject or object.

  • Use -ing after prepositions.

  • Use -ing after some fixed expressions.

Now, try to make your own sentences using -ing words! 😊

Comments

Post a Comment