[Grammar] Am I right on gerund concept?

[nininaz]

Hi Dear Teachers,

In the bold contexts, Are both ' of ' preposition ?and that is why is followed by gerund?
Am I right?And, How can I distinguish 'preposition' from verb like ('used to', which 'to' is dependent preposition of 'used' which is followed be infinitive not 'ing' form) ?

The loon is abundant in Minnesota
and will likely live there for many, many, more years. But, what
about animal species that are not common? Or to put it another
way, what about animal species that are in danger of becoming
extinct?

People will destroy
an animal’s environment with the purpose of building new
neighborhoods or shopping centers.


Thanks.

 

[Tdol]

Of is a preposition, so you're right.

There is used to for past habits (I used to drink a lot of coffee), which is not followed by a gerund, and be/get used to (= accustomed), which is (I'm not used to working with this new team). I think it's a matter of learning where you have to + -ing. If you come across an example, then try to remember it.

 

[Matthew Wai]

I think it's a matter of learning where you have to + -ing. If you come across an example, then try to remember it.

Another example is "take to doing something"── quoted from http://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/take_1

Not a teacher.

 

[Tdol]

Look forward to/be accustomed to/