#111 - Phrase: Expressions Followed by Verb + ing - English Grammar

Expressions are a group of words that have a particular meaning or convey a particular situation. When you add a verb ending in "-ing" after an expression, the sentence provides details about what is happening, happened, or will happen.

Common Expressions

To have a difficult time
To have a hard time
To have a problem
To have a good time
To have fun
To waste time
To spend time

Expressions Followed by Verb + ing

Expressions	Verb
To have a difficult time	Understanding
To have a hard time	Communicating
To have a problem	Negotiating
To have a good time	Swimming
To have fun	Playing
To waste time	Looking
To spend time	Working

She had a difficult time understanding the math problem. (Past)
He is having a hard time communicating with the foreign exchange student. (Now)
They will have problems negotiating the deal. (Future)
The kids had a good time swimming in the pool. (Past)
We are having fun playing softball. (Now)
He wasted time looking for a good deal. (Past)
He will spend time working on his cars this weekend. (Future)