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To + infinitive / +ing? how to decide when to use which

General English Grammar & Vocabulary,... » ESL General English Grammar Questions

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Latest post Wed, Apr 29 2009 3:01 PM by gerdz. 2 replies.
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loveCZ  +  706715 Wed, 29 Apr 09 02:38 PM
See the sentences below and choose the correct one(s):

Q.What is your dream?

A. My dream is to go to California.

A2. My dream is going to California. (seems... weird though)

 

Q. Why you did not call me?

A. I have tried calling you.

A2. I have tried to call you.

 

Q. Have you ever tried reaching the summit of that mountain?

Q2. Have you ever tried to reach the summit of that mountain?

A.I have tried to reach it.

A2. I have tried reaching it.

 

Would you mind sharing your experience of when to use which?
loveCZ
Joined on Wed, Aug 27 2008
Junior Member 91
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Mister Micawber  +  706734 Wed, 29 Apr 09 02:49 PM
.

The infinitive in this sort of structure generally refers to a future accomplishment, while the -ing form generally refers to the durational experience.  In your examples, the infinitive is cetainly indicated in #1 and #3, while either form seems to work in #2.

.
Mister Micawber
Joined on Wed, Aug 4 2004
Yokohama
Veteran Member 30,780
'The question is,' said Humpty Dumpty, 'which is to be master-- that's all.'
gerdz  +  706757 Wed, 29 Apr 09 03:01 PM
hi loveCZ...let me refresh my memory. uhmn..

 

Q. Why you did not call me? -- Why didn't you call me?

A. I have tried calling you.

A2. I have tried to call you.

 

try to do something = attempt to do, make an effort to do

so we say, "I've tried to call you but I couldn't get through."

 

Try doing something = do something as an experiment or test

"I didn't like the way the furniture was arranged, so I tried moving the table to the other side of the room."

or in your sentence could be, "I've bought a cellphone and tried calling you"

 

 

Q.What is your dream?

A. My dream is to go to California. Yes" src="" mce_src="/emoticons/emotion-21.gif">

A2. My dream is going to California. (seems... weird though)

 

 

i hope this could help.. Smile" src="" mce_src="/emoticons/emotion-1.gif">

 
gerdz
Joined on Thu, Mar 12 2009
Philippines
New Member 13
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