English Grammar Exercises – to … and preposition + -ing

1. Complete the conversations. Use a preposition + -ing or the infinitive with to … .

A   Sidney and Tom are walking through the town centre.

SIDNEY:    Look, there’s Angela. Isn’t she gorgeous?

TOM:        She’s all right. You really fancy her, don’t you?

SIDNEY:    Yeah. I often dream (1) …about taking…… (take) her out, but I’m afraid (2) …to ask…… (ask) her.

TOM:        Why?

SIDNEY:    Well, I suppose I’m afraid (3) ……………………… (look) like a fool if she refuses.

TOM:        If you like her so much, you shouldn’t be afraid (4) ……………………… (risk) it. Anyway, I’m sure she won’t refuse.

SIDNEY:    You think so?

TOM:        Yeah, go on, why don’t you text her?

SIDNEY:    OK, I’ll do it now.

TOM:        It’s lucky for me that I’ve succeeded (5) ……………………… (persuade) you.

SIDNEY:    Why’s that?

TOM:        I just happen to know she fancies you. I told her I’d get you to contact her and she’s looking forward (6) ……………………… (hear) from you!

B   Brian and Phil are at work.

BRIAN:      Good morning Phil, could we have a word in my office?

PHIL:         Of course.

BRIAN:      I’m sorry (7) ……………………… (have) to say this, but I’m afraid you failed (8) ……………………… (achieve) high enough sales to earn a bonus this month. I suppose the bad weather kept the customers away?

PHIL:         Yes, I guess so. I’m very sorry (9) ……………………… (let) you down this time.

BRIAN:      OK, I’m sure you’ll make it up soon. I’m thinking (10) ……………………… (send) one or two junior sales staff on a course next month. Would you be interested (11) ……………………… (go)?

PHIL:         Yes, I would be. Thank you.

BRIAN:      Good. I’ll put your name on the list.

C   Joanna has phoned Katie.

JOANNA: I’m sorry (12) ……………………… (forget) your birthday last week.

KATIE:       That’s OK. I quite understand. You were in the middle of your exams. You’re allowed (13) ……………………… (forget) people’s birthdays on exam days!

JOANNA: That shouldn’t have prevented me (14) ……………………… (send) you a card. Did you get some from the family?

KATIE:       Well, Mum was the only one (15) ……………………… (remember).

JOANNA: Well, she’s not likely (16) ……………………… (forget), is she?

KATIE:       No, I suppose you’re right.