[Grammar] Ing-form

Status
Not open for further replies.

ladyTL

Junior Member
Joined
Oct 30, 2012
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
Swedish
Home Country
Sweden
Current Location
Sweden
Hi!


The no.1 is correct, isn't it? And the no.2 wrong? I don't really understand why.

1. Soon he will start playing.
2. Soon he will start to play.
 
Hi!

The no.1 is correct, isn't it? And the no.2 wrong? I don't really understand why.

1. Soon he will start playing.
2. Soon he will start to play.

Say either "number one" or "the first one" but not "the number one"

Both are correct.

And while "start playing" and "start to play" have the same meaning, "stop playing" and "stop to play" mean very different things.
 
Say either "number one" or "the first one" but not "the number one"

Both are correct.

And while "start playing" and "start to play" have the same meaning, "stop playing" and "stop to play" mean very different things.

What's the difference?
So, are "I love being here" and "I love to be here" both correct?
 
What's the difference?
Barb told you they both have the same meaning. There is no difference.
So, are "I love being here" and "I love to be here" both correct?
Yes, but the 'so' doesn't belong there. Many verbs can be followed by either the to- infinitive or the -ing form, not by both.
 
Barb told you they both have the same meaning. There is no difference.Yes, but the 'so' doesn't belong there. Many verbs can be followed by either the to- infinitive or the -ing form, not by both.

ok, but are both common? Because the ing-form seems way more common.
 
There are over 24,000 COCA citations for start to VERB and 56,000 for start VERBing,
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Ask a Teacher

If you have a question about the English language and would like to ask one of our many English teachers and language experts, please click the button below to let us know:

(Requires Registration)
Back
Top