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MustAsk Posted 12 years ago
Grammar
an approach to solve / solving
Hi
How do you interpret:
Our government is not taking a strategic approach to [solving] the climate problem.
As opposed to:
... strategic approach to [solve]...?
Maybe there is no difference?
Thanks!
How do you interpret:
Our government is not taking a strategic approach to [solving] the climate problem.
As opposed to:
... strategic approach to [solve]...?
Maybe there is no difference?
Thanks!
Top answer
Normally "approach to" is expected to be followed by a noun, so it should be "solving". In other words, "solving the climate problem" is the issue to be tackled. "solve" may be justifiable if "to" is interpreted as "in order to".
- Normally "approach to" is expected to be followed by a noun, so it should be "solving".
- In other words, "solving the climate problem" is the issue to be tackled.
- "solve" may be justifiable if "to" is interpreted as "in order to".
- However, this interpretation seems less likely in a negative sentence.
- Also, it is easy to read "solve" as just a mistake / sloppy wording for "solving".
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1 Answers
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Normally "approach to" is expected to be followed by a noun, so it should be "solving". In other words, "solving the climate problem" is the issue to be tackled.
"solve" may be justifiable if "to" is interpreted as "in order to". However, this interpretation seems less likely in a negative sentence. Also, it is easy to read "solve" as just a mistake / sloppy wording for "solving". If you
"solve" may be justifiable if "to" is interpreted as "in order to". However, this interpretation seems less likely in a negative sentence. Also, it is easy to read "solve" as just a mistake / sloppy wording for "solving". If you
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