Not being able to dive down to the really good stuff.

[neb090]

I often think snorkelers get the short end of the stick, not being able to dive down to the really good stuff. But here, in shallow water, was a chance for non-divers to see what the fuss was all about.

Source: by Yvette Cardozo, 2013, ORTV.


In this sentence, could I say "to dive down to see the really good stuff"?

 

[probus]

Yes you could, but why? The first principle of scuba diving is: look but don't touch.

 

[Tarheel]

@probus You can find out what's poisonous by touching it, but you probably don't want to do that.

 

[jutfrank]

In this sentence, could I say "to dive down to see the really good stuff"?

That has a different meaning. Why would you want to change the meaning?

What are you trying to understand here? Is this a question about the meaning of the sentence? Or are you asking something about grammar? In the original sentence. the word to is a preposition, indicating direction of movement. Why would you want to get rid of that and replace it with a verb?

 

[tedmc]

It is understood that snorkelers and divers want to see things underwater.

 

[neb090]

That has a different meaning. Why would you want to change the meaning?

What are you trying to understand here? Is this a question about the meaning of the sentence? Or are you asking something about grammar? In the original sentence. the word to is a preposition, indicating direction of movement. Why would you want to get rid of that and replace it with a verb?

When I first read it, I just see to as an infinitive and that's why I want to add "see" after to. Now I know it is a preposition.

So if I add see, will it change its meaning as a whole?

Thanks.

 

[emsr2d2]

So if I add "see", will it change its meaning as a whole?

Yes.

 

[neb090]

Yes.

Does "to" mean around the stuff, and "to see" mean you can touch the stuff?

 

[emsr2d2]

Does "to" mean around the stuff, and "to see" mean you can touch the stuff?

"... dive down to the stuff" could be expressed as "... dive down as far as the stuff" or "... dive down until they reach the stuff".
"to see" means "to see" and "to touch" means "to touch". Why would you think "to see" meant that you can touch it. From where I am right now, I can see the sea. I'm too far away to touch it! Being able to see something doesn't necessarily mean you can touch it.

 

[Tarheel]

I can see the sun, but I can't touch it.