1. Preposition+v-ing Ing form as subject
Lesson 3
Preposition+v-ing
Ing form as subject

2. Introduction Rachel: Shall we have some lunch?
Jessica: 1 usually go for a walk instead of eating. I'm on a diet.
Rachel: You're joking, aren't you? Since when?
Jessica: Since discovering I can't get into my old clothes.
Rachel: Well, just buy some new ones, then.
We can use an ing-form after some prepositions (e.g. instead of) or linking words (e.g. since).

3. Preposition + ing-form
Here are some more examples.
As a result of losing my passport, I had to fill in a complicated form.
Vicky and Rachel might go to Canada as well as travelling around the US.
You can get skin cancer from being in the sun too long.
You aren't in favor of cutting down trees, are you?
Sarah went to work in spite of not feeling well.
We can't have a party without making a bit of noise.
We can use these prepositions before an ing-form: against, as a result of, as well as, besides, by, despite, for, from, how about, in favour of, in spite of, instead of, on, what about, without|

4. More examples
We use what about/how about + ing-form to make a suggestion.
How about giving us some help?
We use for + ing-form to say what we use something for.
This cloth is for cleaning the floor.
We use by + ing-form to say how someone does something.
The thief got in by breaking a window.
We use on + ing-form to mean 'as soon as'.
On hearing the news of David's accident, Melanie burst into tears.
(= As soon as she heard the news,...)

5. Linking word + ing-form
Here are some examples.
I always have a shower after playing tennis.
Although hoping to get the job, Rachel wasn't really expecting to.
Sarah wanted to finish the report before going to bed.
The man has been unemployed since leaving prison.
You should always lock the door when leaving your room.
Mark was listening to the car radio while sitting in a traffic jam.

6. Exercises: Complete the sentences using the words in brackets.
► Rachel: Do you want to walk? Vicky: Yes, let's not get a bus. (instead of)
Vicky wants to walk instead of getting a bus.
1 Sarah: Did you get through the work? Mark: Yes, I stayed up all night, (by) Mark got through the work ________________________________________________
2 Melanie: When do you take the pills? David: The minute I wake in the morning, (on) David has to take the pills _________________________________________________
3 Mike: So you got the answer? Harriet: Yes, and I didn't use a calculator, (without) Harriet got the answer_____________________________________________________
4 Emma: Why the rucksack? Matthew: So I can carry the food, (for) The rucksack is ____________________________________________________________
5 Trevor: Sorry I forgot the sugar. Laura: Well, you had it on your list, (in spite of) Trevor forgot the sugar _____________________________________________________

7. ANSWERS 1 by staying up all night. 2 on waking (in the morning).
3 without using a calculator.
4 for carrying the food.
5 in spite of having it on his list.

8. Introduction

9. Gerund as subject
The subject of a sentence is usually a noun or a pronoun. But sometimes, –ing forms are also used as subjects.
Study the example given below.
Swimming is a good exercise.
MORE EXAMPLES
Smoking is injurious to health.
Singing gives me great pleasure.
Telling lies can get you into deep trouble.
Collecting stamps is his hobby.
Driving very fast on a busy road may lead to an accident.

10. EXERCISE Use the words from the word search to complete the sentences.
_________________ is one of her hobbies.
__________________ is fun.
__________________ a good job is not easy.
__________________  a parking space is quite difficult in this area.
__________________  becomes more and more expensive.
No _______________  in this area.
___________________ overtime is quite common in this company.
___________________  fruits and vegetables is good for your health.
___________________  fun of other people is not nice.
___________________  about other cultures makes people more tolerant.