Definition / Explanation
At advanced level, participle forms often appear after linkers and prepositions such as after, before, when, while, without, instead of, and in spite of. This structure makes sentences shorter and often more formal or more fluid. It is especially useful when the action can be expressed as a general activity rather than a full clause. After prepositions, English normally uses an -ing form, not an infinitive. Learning these patterns improves both written cohesion and spoken flexibility.
Key Rules
- After most prepositions, use verb-ing: without saying, after leaving, before starting.
- After linkers such as when and while, both full clauses and -ing forms are possible depending on style: When leaving, lock the door.
- Fixed patterns include in spite of + -ing, instead of + -ing, and by + -ing.
- Do not use to + verb directly after a preposition.
- These structures are common in instructions, formal writing, and concise narration.
Examples
- Before leaving, lock the door.
- In spite of being tired, she stayed.
- He solved the problem by asking for help.
- After reading the email, I called her.
- They left without saying goodbye.
Common Mistakes
- ❌ Before to leave, lock the door. -> ✅ Before leaving, lock the door.
- ❌ In spite of be tired, she stayed. -> ✅ In spite of being tired, she stayed.
- ❌ He improved by to practise every day. -> ✅ He improved by practising every day.