Lesson

Verb + prepositions + ing (succeed in -ing/accuse somebody of -ing)

Verb + prep + gerund

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

Verb + prepositions + -ing (succeed in / accuse somebody of)

Some English verbs require a preposition before another verb. When a preposition appears, the verb that follows must be in the gerund form (-ing). This lesson explains common verbs and phrases that use verb + preposition + -ing and shows how to form correct sentences.

  • Structure: [verb] + [preposition] + [verb-ing] (e.g., succeed in finishing).
  • Many common verbs and expressions use this pattern: accuse of, succeed in, prevent from, apologize for, insist on.
  • Different verbs require different prepositions — learn the combination as a unit (accuse somebody of, insist on doing).

Table

Common verbs + prepositions + -ing

Verb + preposition Meaning Example
succeed in + -ing manage to do something She succeeded in closing the deal.
accuse somebody of + -ing say someone did something wrong They accused him of leaking the report.
prevent somebody from + -ing stop someone from doing something The policy prevented employees from disclosing data.
apologize for + -ing say sorry for an action He apologized for arriving late to the meeting.
insist on + -ing demand that something happens or continues The client insisted on receiving weekly updates.
be capable of + -ing have the ability to do something The team is capable of delivering the project on time.
be interested in + -ing want to know or take part in something She is interested in joining the taskforce.
deny + -ing say that something did not happen The company denied breaking the contract.

Tip

Key rule: preposition → gerund

When a verb is followed by a preposition, the next verb must be in the -ing form.

  • Correct: She insisted on attending the training.
  • Incorrect: She insisted on to attend the training.
  • Different verbs use different prepositions; memorize the pair (verb + preposition) as a unit.

Contrast: verbs that take a direct infinitive (e.g., decide to, want to) — these do NOT use a preposition before the infinitive.

Example

Examples in context

She succeeded in closing the deal.

They accused him of leaking the confidential file.

The new rules prevent staff from accessing sensitive data without clearance.

He apologized for missing the quarterly report deadline.

Tip

Common mistakes to avoid

Learners often make predictable errors with verb + preposition + -ing. Watch for these:

  • Using an infinitive after a preposition (Incorrect: She insisted on to speak).
  • Omitting the required preposition (Incorrect: They accused him stealing the file).
  • Using the base form instead of -ing after a preposition (Incorrect: prevent from disclose).
  • Confusing verbs that take a direct object + infinitive (teach someone to do) with prepositional verbs (prevent someone from doing).

If unsure, check a reliable dictionary or grammar reference for the correct verb + preposition pairing.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Focus on the correct preposition and the -ing form after it.

Quiz

Complete: She succeeded _____ the presentation.

Hint: Think about which preposition usually follows 'succeed' and remember the -ing form.

Quiz

Which sentence is correct?

Hint: Remember the prepositional pattern: prevent + somebody + from + -ing.

Key Points

GrammarPoint

succeed in

phrasal verb CEFR B2 //səkˈsiːd ɪn//

to manage to achieve something, usually after effort

She succeeded in reducing costs by 15% this quarter.

GrammarPoint

accuse (somebody) of

verb + preposition CEFR B2 //əˈkjuːz əv//

to say that someone has done something wrong or illegal

The board accused the contractor of violating the contract terms.

GrammarPoint

prevent (somebody) from

verb + preposition CEFR B2 //prɪˈvɛnt frəm//

to stop someone from doing something

New security measures prevented employees from accessing the old database.

Expression

apologize for

verb + preposition CEFR B1 //əˈpɒlədʒaɪz fɔːr//

to express regret for something done

He apologized for not attending the conference.

GrammarPoint

insist on

verb + preposition CEFR B2 //ɪnˈsɪst ɒn//

to demand that something happens or that someone does something

The client insisted on receiving a full audit before signing.

Expression

be capable of

expression CEFR B2 //biː ˈkeɪpəbəl əv//

to have the ability or qualities necessary for doing something

Our department is capable of handling the increased workload.