PASSIVE GERUNDS — EXERCISE 1 (ESL)

B1–B2 · Intermediate

Use being + past participle when the person or thing receives an action after a gerund-taking verb or a preposition. Complete the sentences with the correct passive gerund form. Need a refresher? Review the grammar ↓

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Complete each sentence using the passive gerund of the verb in brackets (being + past participle). For negative forms, put not before being.
EXAMPLE: She dislikes ________ (interrupt). → She dislikes being interrupted.

I hate (interrupt) when I'm reading.

She doesn't mind (photograph) at events.

He enjoys (praise) for his work.

They're worried about (delay) at the airport.

Maya is tired of (ask) the same question.

Nobody likes (ignore) in a conversation.

The children were excited about (choose) for the school play.

He complained about (charge) twice for the meal.

I appreciate (give) clear instructions.

10.

She was nervous about (interview) on live TV.

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Grammar review Passive gerunds: being + past participle

A gerund is an -ing verb form used like a noun. We use a passive gerund when someone receives an action rather than performing it.

Form: being + past participle
being invited, being asked, being chosen, being given

After verbs that take gerunds
She dislikes being interrupted.
He enjoys being praised for his work.
With the active form, the subject does the action: She dislikes interrupting people.
With the passive form, someone does it to her: She dislikes being interrupted.

After prepositions
Prepositions such as about, of, for, after, without are followed by gerunds, not an infinitive:
They worried about being delayed.
She left without being noticed.

Negative passive gerunds
Put not before being:
He was upset about not being invited.

Common mistakes
Say being told, not being tell (use the past participle).
Say interested in being selected, not interested in to be selected.
And remember: the book being read describes a noun and is a passive participle phrase, while enjoys being read to contains a passive gerund.

KEEP PRACTICING — MORE EXERCISES FOR YOU:
More passive voice and verb-form practice:
Passive infinitives (B1/B2)
Present simple passive (B1/B2)
Past simple passive (B1/B2)
Mixed passive voice (B1/B2)
Gerunds and infinitives (B1/B2)
Reduced relative clauses (B1/B2)

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