Do NOT Use "to + verb" After These 16 Common English Phrases!
Advanced English Grammar Guide
In English, we often use to + base verb (infinitive), like: I want to help you.
But there are many common expressions where you must NOT use the infinitive. Instead, you use a gerund (-ing form) or a noun.
🔴 Wrong: I look forward to meet you.
✅ Correct: I look forward to meeting you.
Why?
In such phrases, "to" is a preposition, not part of the infinitive. And in English, the rule is always: preposition + gerund/noun.
Must-Memorize Phrases – Use Gerund or Noun After:
Common Prepositional Phrases
- Look forward to → I look forward to working with you.
- Be dedicated to → I'm dedicated to improving my English.
- Be committed to → They are committed to protecting the environment.
- Be devoted to → We’re devoted to creating a safe space.
- Be used to → I'm used to waking up early.
- Get used to → I got used to public speaking.
- Be accustomed to → She's accustomed to working late.
- Be open to → He’s open to trying new things.
- Be receptive to → We're receptive to hearing your feedback.
- Be opposed to → They are opposed to building more condos.
- Object to → She objected to paying the fee.
- Be addicted to → He's addicted to playing video games.
- Confess to → She confessed to lying about her age.
- Be close to → We’re close to finishing the project.
- Be resigned to → She's resigned to working late every night.
- Be partial to → I'm partial to eating homemade meals.
Examples with Nouns:
Using Nouns After "to" as a Preposition
This "to" can also be followed by a noun, just like any other preposition.
"I look forward to the party."
"I'm used to the cold."
"She's committed to the cause."
Important: These expressions are fixed patterns. There’s no complex grammar rule—just learn them as complete phrases!
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Ensure Correct Gerund Usage
❌ I’m dedicated to improve my skills.
✅ I’m dedicated to improving my skills.
❌ They objected to pay the fine.
✅ They objected to paying the fine.
❌ She’s partial to eat at home.
✅ She’s partial to eating at home.
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