The -ing form

the –ing form can be used like a noun, like an adjective or like a verb.

• Smoking is forbidden.

• I have a long working day.

• I don't like dancing.

When it is used like a noun it may or may not have an article before it.

• Marketing is a very inexact science.

• The marketing of the product will continue for a few months yet.

It can also be part of a 'noun phrase'.

• Speaking to an audience is always stressful.

• Swimming after work is very relaxing.

In formal English, we would use a possessive with the –ing form. In informal English, many people do not.

• I'm angry about his missing the meeting.

• Do you mind my coming?

As an adjective, the –ing form can be used before a noun.

• I was met by a welcoming party at the airport.

• Let's go to the meeting room.

The –ing form is used after prepositions.

• Before leaving, you need to speak to Sarah.

• After discussing it with her, I've changed my mind.

• Instead of feeling sorry for yourself, do some work for charity.

Notice that when 'to' is used as a preposition, it is followed by the –ing form.

• I don't object to working this Sunday.

• I'm looking forward to seeing him again.

• I'm used to working long hours.

There are many verb + -ing combinations. Here are some common ones:

• I admit telling her.

• I appreciate having the raise.

• I avoid speaking to him.

• I consider blowing your nose in public to be wrong.

• I delayed coming until the last possible moment.

• He denied telling her.

• I detest going to parties.

• I enjoy dancing.

• I feel like having a party.

• I've finished writing the report.

• I've given up going to the gym.

• I can't help thinking about it.

• I can't imagine ever leaving this company.

• I don't mind doing that.

• He put off talking to her as long as he could.

• I can't stand drinking beer.

Some verbs can be followed by either the infinitive or –ing form but with different meanings. Here are some common ones:

• I stopped smoking last month. (I no longer smoke.)

•    I stopped to smoke a cigarette. (I stopped what I was doing and had a   cigarette.)

• I remember telling him. (A memory of the past.)

• I must remember to tell him. (Something to remember for the future.)

• I'm interested in finding out more details. (Interested about the future.)

• I was interested to read his report. (Interested in the past.)

Some verbs can be followed by either the infinitive or –ing form but with the same meaning. Here are some common ones:

• I love to go shopping.

• I love going shopping.

• I'm afraid to fly.

• I'm afraid of flying.

• I started to learn English 5 years ago.

• I started learning English 5 years ago.

The Passive

We use the active form to say what the subject does. For example:

• I speak English every day at work.

• I repaired the flat tire on the car.

We use the passive form to say what happens to people and things, to say what is done to them. For example:

• English is spoken here.

• The car is being repaired.

We use the passive form when we don't know who did the action. For example:

• The car was damaged while it was parked on the street.

• The shirts were made in Turkey.

We use the passive form when what was done is more important than who did it. For example:

• It was approved by Gerry last week.

• I was informed by the Human Resources Manager only two days ago.

The imperative

We can use the imperative to give a direct order.

1. Take that chewing gum out of your mouth.

2. Stand up straight.

3. Give me the details.

We can use the imperative to give instructions.

1. Open your book.

2. Take two tablets every evening.

3. Take a left and then a right.

We can use the imperative to make an invitation.

1. Come in and sit down. Make yourself at home.

2. Please start without me. I'll be there shortly.

3. Have a piece of this cake. It's delicious.

We can use the imperative on signs and notices.

1. Push.

2. Do not use.

3. Insert one dollar.

We can use the imperative to give friendly informal advice.

1. Speak to him. Tell him how you feel.

2. Have a quiet word with her about it.

3. Don't go. Stay at home and rest up. Get some sleep and recover.

We can make the imperative 'more polite' by adding 'do'.

• Do be quiet.

• Do come.

• Do sit down.

Going to or will

When we want to talk about future facts or things we believe to be true about the future, we use 'will'.

• The President will serve for four years.

• The boss won't be very happy.

• I'm sure you'll like her.

• I'm certain he'll do a good job.

If we are not so certain about the future, we use 'will' with expressions such as 'probably', 'possibly', 'I think', 'I hope'.

• I hope you'll visit me in my home one day.

• She'll probably be a great success.

• I'll possibly come but I may not get back in time.

• I think we'll get on well.

If you are making a future prediction based on evidence in the present situation, use 'going to'.

• Not a cloud in the sky. It's going to be another warm day.

• Look at the queue. We're not going to get in for hours.

• The traffic is terrible. We're going to miss our flight.

• Be careful! You're going to spill your coffee.

At the moment of making a decision, use 'will'. Once you have made the decision, talk about it using 'going to'.

• I'll call Jenny to let her know. Sarah, I need Jenny's number. I'm going to call    her about the meeting.

• I'll come and have a drink with you but I must let Harry know. Harry, I'm going to have a drink with Simon.