Mastering Verb + to + V-ing Structures/chunks



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Introduction:

In English, many advanced verb chunks are followed not by the infinitive (to + verb) but by to + V-ing. This is often confusing because learners associate to with infinitives. However, some verbs, adjectives, and phrases are always followed by a gerund (V-ing) after to.

In this post, you’ll explore common C1-level chunks that use this structure. These are extremely useful in formal writing, academic settings, and polite conversation. You’ll also see them used in a short story for fluency practice.

What Are These Chunks?

They include expressions like:

  • Be used to

  • Get used to

  • Devote to

  • Object to

  • Be committed to

  • Resort to

  • React to

  • Confess to

  • Be opposed to

  • Apply oneself to

These are not phrasal verbs, but they’re powerful grammar chunks that boost your fluency when used naturally.

List of Verb + to + V-ing Chunks with Examples:



Look forward toI look forward to meeting you soon.
Be used toShe is used to working long hours.
Get used toHe got used to waking up early.
Be accustomed toThey are accustomed to living in the city.
Object toHe objected to paying extra fees.
Be committed toShe is committed to improving her skills.
Be opposed toThey are opposed to changing the rules.
Admit toHe admitted to stealing the money.
Devote (oneself) toShe devoted herself to helping others.
Confess toHe confessed to lying about it.
Resort toThey resorted to using force.
React toHe reacted to losing the game badly.
Dedicate (oneself) toShe dedicates herself to teaching children.
Lead toThe delay led to missing the flight.
Contribute toThis project contributed to improving our efficiency.
Apply oneself toHe applied himself to learning new skills.

In Context: A Short Story

When I first became a teacher, I had a hard time getting used to waking up early and planning lessons in advance. At first, I even objected to staying after school for extra meetings. But gradually, I got used to the routines. Over time, I dedicated myself to improving my skills and started applying myself to creating engaging lesson plans. I was committed to making a difference. I remember how one day, I admitted to forgetting to check the homework—but instead of making excuses, I took full responsibility. My students were accustomed to my honesty and appreciated it. Later that year, when we faced unexpected problems, we had to resort to changing our schedules frequently. It wasn’t ideal, but we reacted to the situation positively. Looking back, I believe those challenges contributed to building stronger relationships in the classroom. And even now, I still look forward to teaching every day.

Dialogue: Teachers Talking About Their Early Career

Characters:

  • Mr. Ghanshyam – An experienced teacher

  • Ms. Anisha – A new teacher, feeling overwhelmed

Ms. Anisha:
Sir, I’m really struggling to adjust to the school routine. I’m not used to waking up this early every day.

Mr. Ghanshyam:
I completely understand. I also had a hard time getting used to the schedule when I first started. But trust me, you’ll get used to it sooner than you think.

Ms. Anisha:
I hope so. I find myself reacting to minor problems quite emotionally.

Mr. Ghanshyam:
That’s normal. What helped me was committing myself to improving a little each day. Slowly, I started dedicating more time to planning and reflection.

Ms. Anisha:
I admire that. I feel like I’m always rushing. Yesterday, I forgot to check one student’s homework, and I had to admit to missing it.

Mr. Ghanshyam:
That’s good. Admitting to small mistakes builds trust. I’ve confessed to such things in class too. Students appreciate honesty.

Ms. Anisha:
Some seniors keep telling me I need to apply myself to improving my classroom management. But I feel so tired already!

Mr. Ghanshyam:
They’re right, but remember—not all progress is immediate. It took me months to get accustomed to handling discipline issues. Don’t be too hard on yourself.

Ms. Anisha:
Thank you, Sir. I feel encouraged now. I was actually looking forward to becoming a teacher for so long. I shouldn’t lose that excitement.

Mr. Ghanshyam:
Exactly. Keep that spark alive. And whenever you feel low, just remember why you started. Teaching is challenging, yes—but it’s also deeply rewarding.

Ms. Anisha:
You’re right. I’ll try not to resort to negativity. Instead, I’ll devote myself to learning from every experience.

Mr. Ghanshyam: 

That’s the spirit. And if you ever need support, just know—we’re all here for you.

Practice:

Try rewriting these sentences using the chunks above:

  1. I hope I can visit you soon. →

  2. She fully gave her time and effort to community service. →

  3. He admitted he lied during the interview. →

  4. They are not in favour of changing the exam pattern. →

  5. We used force when nothing else worked. →

Want feedback? Drop your sentences in the comments!

 Final Reflection:

These "Verb + to + V-ing" grammar chunks are essential for confident, advanced English. They're especially helpful in IELTS, formal writing, teaching, public speaking, and academic use.

 Use them in your writing
 Shadow them in conversation
 Practise with real-life examples

Enjoyed the post? Take a look at another post: Mastering Wishes and Regrets

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