Verb + Preposition + -ing: Insist on, Apologise for, Succeed in, and More

Many English verbs select a particular preposition, and when another verb follows that preposition, it normally appears as a gerund (-ing form).

Core idea

A preposition takes a noun-like complement, and a gerund can fill that role: insist on paying, apologise for arriving.

How the pattern works

Learn the whole combination rather than only the verb: depend on doing, succeed in doing, object to doing, think about doing.

Meaning and context

To can be a preposition, not an infinitive marker: look forward to meeting, be used to working, object to paying.

A useful decision rule

Some patterns include an object: prevent someone from doing, thank someone for helping, accuse someone of lying.

Examples in context

• She insisted on paying.
• He apologised for arriving late.
• I look forward to meeting you.

Quick practice

1. Correct: I look forward to meet you.
2. Complete: She succeeded ___ solving the problem.

Suggested answers: I look forward to meeting you. / in.

Key takeaway

Learn verb + preposition combinations as units; after the preposition, a following activity normally uses -ing.

Make the grammar usable

After you understand the explanation, create a contrast pair: one sentence where the target form is natural and one closely related sentence where a different form is needed. Then personalise one example. This moves the rule from recognition into retrieval and helps you notice the meaning difference in real speech and writing.