20 'To' Phrases That Can Use Verb+ing

More grammar videos like this:

In this lesson:
0:00 20 "to + _____-ing" Phrases in English
1:16 Particle or preposition?
3:44 adapt to
4:21 adjust to
4:47 add to
5:12 contribute to
5:47 be close to
6:12 dedicate to
6:44 commit to
7:09 lead to
7:50 admit to
8:50 be addicted to
9:48 be accustomed to
11:18 be used to
12:07 get used to
12:54 be opposed to
13:40 object to
14:32 relate to
15:17 respond to
15:41 listen to
16:08 get back to
16:41 look forward to

TRANSCRIPT:
Oh, hey, everyone.
I think I might be addicted to taking selfies, so I apologize about that.
Hey, everyone.
I'm Alex.
That's E-N-G-V-I-D dot com.
If you are watching this video and you are enjoying it, make sure you subscribe to my
channel on YouTube, click like, and turn on the notifications so you never miss a video.
Now, in today's lesson, we are going to talk about a grammar topic that many people have
questions about once they reach the upper intermediate or advanced level of English,
and that is, "Alex, when can I add 'ing' after 'to'?
I know it's possible."
Okay?
So, yes.
In this video, I will teach you 20 phrases that use "to" plus verb "ing", or where it's
possible to use "to" plus the verb "ing".
Now, before we begin, an important question to ask when you are wondering, "Can I use
verb 'ing' after 'to'?"
Well, you have to ask yourself, "Wait, is this a particle, or is it a preposition?"
Now, a particle is, as an example number one, "I want to leave."
As you know, if you are watching this video, some verbs in English can be followed by a
gerund, which is verb "ing".
Some verbs can be followed by a "to" infinitive, which is "to" plus the verb.
So, in this case, "I want to leave", "to" is functioning as, grammatically, what is
known as a particle.
Now, a particle is just a junk word that we throw in, but is necessary in order to continue
and complete a grammatical form.
So, "I want to leave", for example, in this case.
Now, for a preposition, one of the rules about prepositions is they are always followed by
objects.
Right?
So, a preposition needs an object.
"I live in Canada", for example.
"I spent the day with Martha."
Or "lung cancer is linked to smoking."
Right?
So, here, remember gerunds are verbal nouns, so they function as nouns, which means they
can function as objects.
Okay?
So, here we have an example where you are using verb "ing" after "to".
How?
"Lung cancer is linked to", so you have a phrase, "to be linked to something", you have
to be linked to something.
A gerund is a something.
Okay?
So, now, so far, so good, I hope.
You can always rewind the video, listen to me explain this again, or first make sure
you understand about the basics of gerunds and infinitives.
And now, let's continue with learning and practicing the phrases that you can use with
"to" plus verb "ing".
I apologize for the pause.
My brain went in a different direction for a moment.
Now, one of the phrases that you can use is "adapt to".
So, for example, "I'm adapting to using AI."
Here, you can see I'm using a verb in the continuous form.
I am adapting.
Adapting to what?
I am adapting to using AI.
I am making the adaptation in the...
I'm in progress.
I'm in process of doing this now.
This is actually true for me.
Maybe it's true for you.
You're adapting to using AI as it becomes a bigger part of our lives.
Next, we have "adjust to".
So, she is adjusting to...
What is she adjusting to?
Something.
She's adjusting to wearing high heels.
Now, of course, you can say she's adjusting to high heels, right?
To wearing them.
But, yes, another phrase with "adjust to".
This is a preposition in this case.
Next, we have "add to".
"Spending time alone only added to feeling depressed."
Here, we can actually use a possessive gerund, if you would like.
Added to his feeling depressed, or her feeling depressed, or your feeling depressed.
Something like that. […]

[igniteofmind]

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[nilsonfrancisco]

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[rivalll]

It's not just a lesson! It's a complete delight!

[meguellatizehira]

Hi Alex, I am accustomed to eating dinner at 8 pm. Thanks a lot for the useful lesson. I did the quiz and I got 9/10. Greetings from France!

[nikolaybilov]

You are the one of teachers I started learning the language probably more than ten years ago. So pleasant to meet you again. Thanks a lot

[anjanatamang]

lot of love from my core of heart Alex Sir.

[frostjogla]

Нравится как Алекс спокойно разговаривает. Располагает к себе. Спасибо за уроки.
Привет из России.

[moekyawsoe]

This is such a useful video lesson.
Thanks a lot, Sir!

[ejjapureddivenkateswararao]

We enjoyed your teaching. Thank you very much sir

[AdrianaGarcia-knio]

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[nyaluaknhial]

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[NAMENIOS]

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[ЕкатеринаКомова]

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[JimMorri]

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[chamindasuga]

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[rogeriolima]

Hey, Alex! I used to watching your videos in the past, and I learnt a lot! Now in 2024 I'm here to learn some more! Greeting from Brazil

[陳芳庭-qn]

I like your teaching. Thanks teacher Alex