want or wanting

[Mexican Guy]

I've just seen in my dictionary an example of the use of the word 'despite':


Despite wanting to see him again.



Could you tell me why is using the gerund of 'want' instead of the infinitive form?

Thanks!

[Duckduck (Contributor)]

I've just seen in my dictionary an example of the use of the word 'despite':


Despite wanting to see him again.



Could you tell me why is using the gerund of 'want' instead of the infinitive form?

Thanks!

Hi Mexican Guy and welcome to the forum!

Nice question:
As you can see in this list, "despite" is a preposition: http://www.englishclub.com/grammar/prep ... s-list.htm

The rule that applies to the use of verbs after prepositions is easy enough to understand

Best wishes!!!
Cheers,

Duckduck