Preposition + Gerund Clause
Referring to time-related activities
Prepositional Phrase Adjuncts
| PREPOSITION + NOUN PHRASE | |
|---|---|
A clause with an activity is followed by a prepositional phrase to add optional details about the activity. The preposition may be complemented (completed) by a noun (N) or a noun phrase (NP). |
|
| MAIN CLAUSE | PREP + NP |
Jason read the manual |
before the installation. |
Jason said, "You can't turn it on |
without a plug." |
Jane got it working |
with a different cable. |
Jason was talking |
about an action movie. |
Jason was having vision problems |
from the new TV. |
Jane suggested a "night out" |
instead of TV at home. |
Jason thanked Jane |
for her suggestion. |
Jason lectured |
against unnecessary expenses. |
| PREPOSITION + GERUND CLAUSE | |
|---|---|
The preposition may also be complemented (completed) by a gerund clause (a.k.a. gerund phrase.) Nonfinite Clause |
|
| MAIN CLAUSE | PREP + GERUND CLAUSE |
Jason read the manual |
before beginning the installation. |
You can't turn it on |
without plugging it in. |
Jane got it working |
by¹ using a different cable. |
Jason was talking |
about seeing an action movie. |
Jason was having vision problems |
from watching the new TV. |
Jane suggested a "night out" |
instead of watching TV at home. |
Jason thanked Jane |
for making her suggestion. |
Jason lectured |
against spending money. |
complement – a word, phrase or clause which is necessary in a sentence to complete its meaning
gerund clause – see Nonfinite Clause
noun phrase – a noun + determiners and other modifiers
¹See By / With + Gerund Related pages: Preposition Complements
Preposition List
about |
after |
by |
from |
with |
against |
before |
for |
of |
without |
Common Mistakes
Errors and Solutions
| ERROR | SOLUTION |
|---|---|
*I drove there without stop.
|
I drove there without stopping. |
He looked scared before jumping in the pool. |
He held his breath before jumping in the pool. |
*Incorrect usage
Practice
Managing Headaches
Complete the sentence with a preposition and gerund.
- Select the response from the list that best completes the sentence.
- Compare your response to the answer by clicking the "Check 1-18" button at the bottom, or click the "Check" button to the left as you go.