succeed in doing · keen on going · prevent someone from · decide to / decide that
Building on B2
Patterns that need a preposition
At B2 you learned verbs with to (decide to go) and object + to (want you to go). Many B2 verbs and adjectives need a preposition, and after a preposition the verb is always -ing.
She succeeded in finding a flat.
I'm keen on learning to sail.
verb + preposition + -ing
Learn the preposition with the verb
in
succeed in · believe in · specialise in
on
concentrate on · depend on · count on
of / about
think of · dream of · worry about
to
look forward to · object to · get round to
I'm thinking of moving abroad.
adjective + preposition + -ing
Feelings and abilities
of
capable of · tired of · afraid of · proud of
at / on / in
brilliant at · keen on · interested in
about / for
excited about · responsible for · famous for
I'm tired of waiting.
verb + object + preposition + -ing
Stopping and thanking people
The rain prevented us from playing.
prevent / stop / discourage + someone + from
She congratulated me on passing.
Thank you for inviting us.
to-infinitive or that-clause?
Same verb, two patterns
same subject
I decided to stay. · She hopes to win.
new subject
I decided that we should stay. · She hopes that her team wins.
Verbs like this: decide, hope, agree, expect, promise, pretend.
Common mistakes
Where learners go wrong most often
She succeeded to win the prize.
→
She succeeded in winning the prize.
succeed in + -ing
I'm thinking to buy a car.
→
I'm thinking of buying a car.
think of + -ing
The noise prevented me to sleep.
→
The noise prevented me from sleeping.
prevent from + -ing
I'm interested to join the club.
→
I'm interested in joining the club.
interested in + -ing
Your turn
Answer out loud — full sentences
Answer with the patterns.
1
What are you thinking of doing this summer?
2
What are you good at, and what are you tired of?
3
What has prevented you from doing something you wanted to do?