Continuous tense plus a gerund

[Anne59]

Hi everyone,

I've learned that I can't say "I’m starting doubting this idea" and that I need to say "I'm starting to doubt this idea."

But, now I'm looking for a rule about a continuous tense followed by a gerund. Are there any time when this is possible?

I hope somebody know.

Thanks as always!

 

[Rover_KE]

'I'm starting swimming lessons next week'.

 

[emsr2d2]

I'm starting shopping for Christmas tomorrow.

The difference between the original in post #1 is that "I'm starting" is meant to refer to the present and doesn't work. In posts #2 and #3, Rover and I have used the present progressive to refer to the future.

 

[konungursvia]

'I'm starting swimming lessons next week'.

*Pining for the gerund / gerundive distinction*

 

[mayita1usa]

'I'm starting swimming lessons next week'.

Hmmm... I think in this case, "swimming" is actually an adjective (in verbal form) modifying the noun "lessons". (What kind of lessons? Swimming lessons.)

On the other hand, the sentence I'm starting swimming next week proves the point!