[Grammar] I have to feed the animals as well as look after the children.

[kadioguy]

(In the Practical English Usage 3rd ed.)

78.2

When we put a verb after as well as, we most often use the -ing form.

Smoking is dangerous as well as making you smell bad.

(NOT ... as well as it makes you smell bad.)

As well as breaking his leg, he hurt his arm.

(NOT ... as well as he broke his leg ... )

After an infinitive in the main clause, an infinitive without to is possible.

I have to feed the animals as well as look after the children.

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a. I have to feed the animals as well as look after the children.

b. I have to feed the animals as well as looking after the children.

Is (b) also correct? Does it mean the same as (a)?

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

Remember that "as well as" means "and." Also remember that series should be parallel. So:

I have to do two things:

1. I have to feed the animals.

2. I have to . . . . .​

Do you see the right answer now?

 

[kadioguy]

Remember that "as well as" means "and." Also remember that series should be parallel. So:

I have to do two things:

1. I have to feed the animals.

2. I have to . . . . .​

Do you see the right answer now?

a. I have to feed the animals as well as look after the children.

b. I have to feed the animals as well as looking after the children.

Thank you, Charlie Bernstein. I now know that (b) is incorrect.

I have to feed the animals and I have to look after the children.

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Here is a follow-up question:

Alan Hayes, from food and grocery research group IGD, says these apps have "helped to raise awareness of food waste in businesses and in schools" as well as empowering consumers.

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-50974009

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So the red part above means:

... these apps have "helped to raise awareness of food waste in businesses and in schools" and these apps have empowered consumers.

Not:

... these apps have "helped to raise awareness of food waste in businesses and in schools" and these apps have helped to empower consumers.


Am I right?

 

[kadioguy]

Here is a follow-up question:

Alan Hayes, from food and grocery research group IGD, says these apps have "helped to raise awareness of food waste in businesses and in schools" as well as empowering consumers.

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-50974009

--------

So the red part above means:

... these apps have "helped to raise awareness of food waste in businesses and in schools" and these apps have empowered consumers.

Not:

... these apps have "helped to raise awareness of food waste in businesses and in schools" and these apps have helped to empower consumers.

Could members tell me if I am right in thinking this?

 

[GoesStation]

It says "empowering". That means they do it, not that they help do it. The apps may provide assistance with that, but the words don't say so.

 

[kadioguy]

It says "empowering". That means they do it, not that they help do it. The apps may provide assistance with that, but the words don't say so.

Thank you, GoesStation.

With your help, I am now sure this one is correct:

... these apps have "helped to raise awareness of food waste in businesses and in schools" and these apps have empowered consumers.