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Thread: ing

  1. #1
    learner. is offline Junior Member
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    Default ing

    I'm here to apply for the job.
    I'm here to applying for the job.
    Which is the correct sentence?
    When can we add (ing)after (to) ?
    Thanks..

  2. #2
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    Default Re: ing

    Quote Originally Posted by learner. View Post
    I'm here to apply for the job.
    I'm here to applying for the job.X

    When can we add (ing)after (to) ?
    When 'to' is a preposition rather than part of the to-infinitive, an ing-form (gerund) may be possible.

    I look forward to seeing you.
    I am used to driving in Prague.
    I prefer drivimg to going by coach
    .
    I went from eating too much to drinking too much.

    Note that in these examples,a to-infinitive is not possible, but a noun is, for example:

    I look forward to the party.
    I am used to Prague traffic.
    I prefer cars to coaches.

    I went from over-indulgence in food to alcoholism.

    In your example, neither a gerund nor a noun is possible:

    I'm here to applying for the job.X
    I am here to the job/application.X
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    learner. is offline Junior Member
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    Default Re: ing

    How do we know that 'to' is a preposition rather than part of the to-infinitive, ?
    if i say (I`m here applying for the job)Is it right?

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    Default Re: ing

    Quote Originally Posted by learner. View Post
    How do we know that 'to' is a preposition rather than part of the to-infinitive, ?
    if i say (I`m here applying for the job)Is it right?
    Test it by adding the words 'something' for nouns and 'do something' for verbs:

    Noun: I am used to <(doing) something>; e.g., sleeping, Prague traffic
    Verb: I am going to <do something>; e.g., sleep, walk

    _______________

    Be + ing: I am applying for the job. / I am here applying for the job.
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    Default Re: ing

    when we finish drinking our coffe,we`ll probably go home.
    why we don`t say ;when we finish to drink our coffe,we`ll probably go home.

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    Default Re: ing

    Quote Originally Posted by learner. View Post
    When we finish drinking our coffee, we`ll probably go home.
    Why don't we say; "when we finish to drink our coffee, we`ll probably go home"?
    "Finish" is always followed by a gerund.
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