to being; look foward to hearing

Question

When I concentrate my attention on the problem, I am not accustomed ___ interrupted.

a. To be

b. To being

c. Being

d. For being

*** I thought "to" can only use with v., such as to be, to hear....

Why?

Thank you,

Goodman · Accepted Answer

AnonymousWhen I concentrate my attention on the problem, I am not accustomed ___ interrupted.

a. To be

b. To being

c. Being

d. For being

*** I thought "to" can only use with v., such as to be, to hear....

Why?

Thank you,

Hi,

There are many verbs that work with prepositions and [to] is one of them. It’s doesn’t necessarily mean the base form of a verb must always and immediately follow [to]. Your example is one good example and it’s structure is not a simple one. The [ing] form of the verb can be used as noun (gerund) or a present participle when it’s preceded by a prep, or even without.

Consider: I hate tardiness vs. I hate being late. Both bear essentially the same meaning but the former is a noun derived from the adjective [tardy] and the later [being late] is a gerund from the verb [be]. Often we used the [ing] form to emphasize the act of something ,whether it’s used as gerund or participle.

Examples:

I am sick [of hearing] your complaints.

My feet are extremely tired [from hiking] last weekend.

I am not accustomed [to working with tardy people]

I am looking forward [to seeing you] again soon

I am having a tough time [on learning English.

Inchoateknowledge · Answer

Hi,

The original verb phrase is: to be accustomed to something.

to is a prep and takes a gerund object: being interrupted

CalifJim · Answer

Goodman,
Please answer outside the quote box.
Thanks.
Jim

Anonymous · Answer

Jim,

I wasn't done on purpose. I will be more cautious...

to being; look foward to hearing

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