In this lesson we’re looking at expressions that are followed by VERB+ING in English.
This is one of many lessons on this site that deals with VERB+ING, and all the different ways to use it.
Have fun with the lesson, and don’t forget to try the quizzes by clicking on their links below
– James.
Lesson Contents
Some expressions
When these expressions are followed by a verb, the verb ends in +ING:
- It’s no use VERB+ING / It’s no good VERB+ING :
There’s nothing you can do, so it’s no use worrying about it.
It’s no good trying to apologise, it’s too late.
- There’s no point in VERB+ING / What’s the point of VERB+ING :
There’s no point in having a motorbike if you never use it.
There was no point in waiting, so we left.
What’s the point of having a motorbike if you never use it?
- It’s (not) worth VERB +ING:
It’s not worth taking a bus, it’s only a ten-minute walk.
The flight was at 4am, so it wasn’t worth going to bed.
- Something is worth VERB+ING:
That book is really worth reading.
Was the film any good? Is it worth watching?
Have difficulty VERB+ING / Have trouble VERB+ING
We say “have difficulty doing something”. (not “to do something.”)
I had no difficulty finding a job.
She had difficulty reading my writing.
Did you have difficulty finding my place?
You can also say “have trouble doing something”:
I had no trouble finding a job.
Using +ING
We use +ING after:
- A waste of money / a waste of time:
It was a waste of time watching that film. What rubbish!
I can’t believe you bought that! What a waste of money buying things you’ll never use!
- Spend time:
He spent a lot of time trying to open the box.
I spend hours playing video games on the weekend.
- Busy:
I can’t see you tonight, I’m busy working.
Go + VERB+ING
We use +ING for a number of activities (especially sports). For example:
go swimming
go hiking
go dancing
go bowling
go skiing
On the weekend I go sightseeing.
When did you last go shopping?
How often do you go jogging?
