Gerunds after nouns

Some nouns and adjectives can be followed by preposition + -ing form.Nouns/adjectives that are followed by -ing forms cannot normally be followed by infinitives. But there are exceptions to this rule.

·         I hate the idea of getting old. (NOT ... the idea to get old.)

·         I am tired of listening to advice.

·         She is good at painting.

·         We are confident of winning the election.

After some nouns and adjectives, we can use either an -ing form or an infinitive. Normally there is little or no difference of meaning. Note that if we are using an -ing form, a preposition is used to connect it to the noun/adjective.

·         I am proud of having won.

·         I am proud to have won.

·         We have a good chance of making/ to make a profit.