apply to V or apply to V-ing

Question

I am confused, as it seems that both usages are correct - again, context-dependent.
But can anyone please help me with the following sentences ? Thanks

"I would like to apply what I learned in school to help people" ?

"I would like to apply what I learned in school to helping people" ?

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

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I prefer #2, but both are correct. The first can be seen as:

I would like to apply what I learned in school (in order) to help people.

Seraphin · Answer

I don't know if this is worthy of (a) further discussion as it is no longer an issue of grammar. (Note: Do I need to add the article "a" in front of the "discussion")
But I wonder which sentence will be the preferred one in the following context.

"I would like to apply what I learned in school to help make more money"

"I would like to apply what I learned in school to helping make more money"

Thanks

CalifJim · Answer

Seraphin"I would like to apply what I learned in school to help people" ?

"I would like to apply what I learned in school to helping people" ?

You have two place holders here: 1) the activity to which something is applied: ---ing, and 2) the purpose for which it was done: (in order) to ---
The full form, with both places occupied, is illustrated thus:
I would like to apply my knowledge to farming (in order) to improve the environment.
In your first example, you omit the first place holder:
I would like to apply what I learned (to ---ing) (in order) to help people. ~ ... apply what I learned (to something unspecified) so that I can help people.
In your second example, you omit the second place holder:
I would like to apply what I learned to helping people (in order to accomplish something, perhaps, but this is left unstated).
Both place holders are optional.
The same logic applies to your second post regarding making money or to make money. In any case, say what you mean!

CJ

apply to V or apply to V-ing

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