When to Use -ING in English

When to Use -ING in English: 11 Common Expressions You Must Know

One of the most frustrating questions for English learners is:

Should I use to + verb or verb + -ing?

Why do we say:

It’s worth doing, but

I want to do?

The short answer is: some expressions in English are always followed by -ing. No choice. No exceptions. You just have to know them.

The good news? Many of these expressions follow clear patterns, express similar ideas and appear all the time in real English — and in Cambridge exams (B2 First, C1 Advanced).

In this lesson, you will learn 11 very common expressions that are always followed by -ing, with clear explanations and natural examples.

First, the basic rule

After certain expressions, English uses:

verb + -ing (a gerund)

Not:

❌ to + verb

So we say:

✅ It’s worth trying.

❌ It’s worth to try.

Now let’s learn the most useful ones, grouped by meaning (so your brain is happier).

Talking about things that are pointless or useless

These expressions all mean: “This is not useful / not effective / not a good idea.” They are always followed by -ing.

It’s no use / It’s no good

We use these to say that something won’t work, won’t change anything or won’t help.

• It’s no use talking to him. He never listens.
• It’s no good arguing with a drunk person.
• It’s no good wasting money on things you don’t need.

There is no point in

• There is no point in pretending it didn’t happen.
• There’s no point in asking Martin — he doesn’t know.

It’s (not) worth

We use this to say whether something is a good use of time, money, or effort or not

• This film is worth watching.
• It’s not worth worrying about a lost umbrella.
• It wasn’t worth investing in that company.

It’s a waste of time / money

• It’s a waste of time playing video games all day.
• It’s a waste of money buying things you don’t need.
• Talking about difficulty and effort

To have difficulty / a problem

• I’m having difficulty understanding this text.
• He had a problem fitting into the new society.
• People with asthma sometimes have difficulty breathing.

To be busy

• I’m busy studying for my exam.
• She’s busy preparing for the concert.
• Everyone is busy decorating their homes before the holidays.

Talking about activities

Go + -ing (go swimming, go shopping, etc.)

This is extremely common for sports, leisure activities and outdoor activities.

• She goes running every morning.
• Let’s go dancing at the weekend.
• We might go fishing on Sunday.

Talking about emotions and reactions

Can’t help

We use this when you can’t stop yourself from doing something.

• I can’t help thinking about it.
• I can’t help noticing how tired you look.
• She couldn’t help laughing.

Can’t stand / Can’t bear

We use these to say you really, really dislike something.

• I can’t stand waiting in long queues.
• She can’t bear being late.
• We can’t stand people smoking while we’re eating.

Talking about habits and things that feel normal

Be used to / Get used to

These mean:

be used to – something is normal for you now

get used to – something is becoming normal for you

They are followed by noun or -ing

• I’m used to getting up early.
• He can’t get used to living in a big city.
• British people are used to driving on the left.

The most important exam warning

❌ It’s worth to try.

❌ I’m used to get up early.

❌ There is no point to argue.

✅ It’s worth trying.

✅ I’m used to getting up early.

✅ There is no point in arguing.

These are classic B1–B2 mistakes that examiners notice immediately.

A quick memory trick

If an expression means “this is pointless”, “this is difficult”, “this is an activity” or “this is a habit or reaction”, it very often takes -ing in English.

Learning which expressions take -ing is not about memorising grammar rules. It’s about learning natural language patterns. And once you get these right, your English immediately becomes more accurate, more natural and much more exam-ready.

Small endings. Big difference. 😄

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