to verb+ing

[Unregistered]

hello,
I would like to know under what circumstances that we should add -ing to a verb after to.
example: i have no objection to hearing it.
Is there a rule for the application?

 

[tenderboy]

ok let me tell you its the same to say " i have no objection to hearing it and i have no objection hearing it

just 2 prepositions come to my mind. actually i think there re just 2 hehe: by and to. you can put them both to introduce the gerund.

but in this case "by" wouldnt sound natural to me.

take care

 

[mykwyner]

The confusion comes from the two uses of the word to. You can use it to create an infinitive which can function the same way as the gerund. "I hate to think about it, or I hate thinking about it." If you are using to for an infinitive, you must use the base form of the verb (without -ing). When you use to as a preposition, it can be followed by a gerund, "I listen to whining and crying all day long."

 

[Wuisi]

Hi,
mykwyner's tip is really helpful, but I think you must learn to distinguish 'to' preposition from 'to' as part of the infinitve. For that purpose, try adding a noun, noun group or pronoun after 'to', if it makes sense then 'to' is a preposition, if it doesn't it is part of the infinitive.
I have no objections to your proposals. (to--> preposition... object to doing sth)
I listen to the radio; I look forward to your reply...
Regards.