to infinitive or to gerund

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Nddad

#497855 Tue, 08 Apr 08 02:53 AM

What do you say to + ∼ ing ?
be opposed to + ∼ ing
object to + ∼ ing
have an objection to + ∼ ing
contribute to + ∼ ing
turn one's attention to + ∼ ing
with a view to + ∼ ing
be equal to + ∼ ing
devote A to + ∼ ing
look forward to + ∼ ing
fall to + ∼ ing

From above, "to" is a preposition, not infinitive.

How do I tell the difference between " to infinitive and to gerund " ??

Pls let me know it.

Thanks & Regards

Terry

Nddad

Joined on Mon, May 21 2007

Junior Member (11)

Difference between, Gerunds, Prepositions, Regards

Clive

#497866 Tue, 08 Apr 08 03:17 AM

Hi,

From above, "to" is a preposition, not infinitive. Yes.

How do I tell the difference between " to infinitive and to gerund " ?? To answer your question directly, a gerund ends in -ing but an infinitive does not.

However, perhaps you are really asking 'How do I know when to use an infinitive and when to use a gerund?' I think a practical answer is that, as you get used to speaking a lot of English, you simply become familiar with phrases like this.

Best wishes, Clive

Clive

Joined on Thu, Oct 28 2004

Canada

Forum Guru (19,216)

El tango argentino es un pensamiento triste que se puede bailar (The tango argentino is a sad thought which can be danced) Enrique Santos Discépolo

Difference between, Gerunds, Prepositions

Cool Breeze

#497948 Tue, 08 Apr 08 09:42 AM

Nddad

How do I tell the difference between " to infinitive and to gerund " ??

If you are asking how you can tell when to is a preposition and when it's part of an infinitive, the answer is simple. If you can put a noun or a pronoun such as it after to, to is a preposition:

I am looking forward to it.

I'll never get used to it.

I object to it.

Incorrect: I used to it. Consequently to is part of an infinitive in this sentence: I used to like her.