APIEBefore, After, Without, and Instead of + -ing
Teeth, dentists and healthy smiles
Answers and an explanation for each question appear once you add this activity to your own library.
Before, After, Without + -ing
Learn how to talk about two actions with before, after, without and instead of.
📌 How to use this lesson
Use this 12-minute lesson to teach before, after, without and instead of + -ing. Check learner progress using clear answer keys provided for each section.
First, read the 4 simple rules and notice the underlined words in the dentist examples. Next, try all 12 practice items from easy to hard.
📖 Grammar Rules & Examples
before / after + -ing
You use before or after with an -ing word when one person does both actions.
• My brother always checks his bag before leaving school.
• Spit out your toothpaste before drinking cold water to avoid a toothache.
without + -ing
You use without with an -ing word when you do one thing and do not do another thing. Never put not after without.
• He walked past the café without looking at the cakes.
• He walked out of the clinic without paying for his new brace.
instead of + -ing / noun
You use instead of with an -ing word or a noun when you pick one thing and not another thing.
• Our teacher walks to work instead of driving.
• Rinse with mouthwash instead of water to clean your inner cheek.
Spelling -ing
Add -ing to most words. Drop a silent e before -ing. Double the last letter for short words with one vowel and one consonant (never w, x, or y).
• We took a short rest after running to the bus stop.
• She felt much better after taking off her uncomfortable brace.
Never put "not" after without (e.g. without not saying ❌).
Use the -ing form after before, after, without and instead of. Never use the base verb.
✅ Correct Pattern
• Brush your teeth after eating.
• She left without paying.
❌ Common Mistake
• Brush your teeth after eat.
• She left without not paying.
brush ➔ brushing
take ➔ taking
stop ➔ stopping
✏️ Interactive Practice Items
Complete all 12 items below to test your understanding.
Part 1: Choose the correct sentence
Which sentence is correct?
Which sentence is correct?
Which sentence is correct?
Part 2: Rewrite each pair of sentences as one sentence
Note: Start with the subject, put the given word in the middle, use no comma, and do not use short forms.
Mark cleaned his teeth. Then he went to sleep. Use after.
____ (Type full sentence here...)Anna washed her hands. Then she ate lunch. Use before.
____ (Type full sentence here...)The boy swallowed the pill. He did not chew it. Use without.
____ (Type full sentence here...)Part 3: Fill in the gaps
My sister felt a sharp pain in her jaw after ____ (swim) in the cold sea.
You should wash your hands before ____ (place) the brace on your teeth.
He used clean floss instead of ____ (use) a dirty toothpick.
Part 4: Correct the error in a short message
Type the correct phrase for without not brushing:
____ (Type corrected phrase...)Type the correct phrase for after geting:
____ (Type corrected phrase...)Type the correct phrase for instead of buy:
____ (Type corrected phrase...)Related lessons
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