Before sending connects checking an address with sending a parcel. The ing form belongs to the preposition pattern; it does not mean the action is happening now.

The idea

A verb following a preposition normally takes ing: interested in repairing, by collecting, without taking, for carrying. In look forward to, to is a preposition, so use hearing. Learn the complete phrase, including its preposition.

Examples

  • Mina is interested in repairing old radios.
  • Check the address before sending the parcel.
  • We saved water by collecting rain in a barrel.
  • He left without taking his umbrella.
  • Thank you for carrying the boxes.
  • I look forward to hearing your ideas.

Read-aloud uses a synthetic English voice on your device. Quality and availability vary; it does not assess pronunciation.

Watch out

Do not treat every to as the same: want to hear has an infinitive, but look forward to hearing has prepositional to. The main verb supplies tense: left without taking describes a past event, despite taking.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the correct option. Check the address before ___ the parcel. (sending / to send)

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    sending

    After before in this pattern, use sending. The infinitive to send does not follow this preposition directly.

  2. Choose the correct option. I look forward to ___ your ideas. (hearing / hear)

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    hearing

    To belongs to look forward to and is a preposition. A following verb takes ing, giving hearing.

  3. Choose the correct option. He left without ___ his umbrella. (taking / taken)

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    taking

    Without is followed by the ing form taking. Taken is a past participle and does not fit here.

Use it today

Thank someone for a real action using for + ing. Then explain how you save water, time or materials with by + ing, choosing a method you actually use.