Hi everybody!
One of the grammar sections in the coursebook I'm using concerns the use of the -ing form. The explanation reads as follows:
We can use the -ing form of the verb as a noun. It can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence. Here, I think it is making reference to the gerund, isn't it?
Examples:
AS SUBJECT: Managing the computer's resources is an imoprtant function of the operating system.
AS OBJECT: The operating system starts running the user interface as soon as the PC is switched on.
AS COMPLEMENT: Another function of the operating system is executing and providing services for applications software.
The -ing form is also used after prepositions. This includes "to" when it is a preposition and not part of the infinitive. I think that, in this case, it refers again to the gerund, is this so?
Examples:
We look forward to having cheaper and faster computers.
I'm used to surfiing the web.
Few people object to doing their jobs the correct way.
Now, one of my students asked me: "How can we decide when to use the -ing form and when the infinitive after "to"?"
My question is: Are there any rules to stick to when it comes to deciding whtether to use the - ing form or the infinitive after "to"? Or should we learn each case by heart?
Thanks a lot!!
Mara.