Chose correct sentence

Question

Please help me to know which of the following two sentences is correct. Thanks.

(1) I got a letter from a pen pal in America yesterday. And it took me three hours to write back.

(2) I got a letter from a pen pal in America yesterday. And it took me three hours writing back

Casi · Accepted Answer

It took me three hours to write back.
It took three hours (for me) to write back.
Writing back took me three hours.

Try,

Choose the correct sentence.

Guest · Answer

Thank you for your reply and correcting.
But I can't understand that the following sentences (1) and (2) can use both Ving and to V. Why can't the original sentence use "writing back" instead of "to write back"?

(1)It's importand getting/to get the job done.
(2)It's always dangerous talking/to talkabout politics with him.

Thanks again.

Seyfihoca · Answer

it seems like a pattern.

that is;

it + adj. + to V1

Casi · Answer

Well, let's remove the dummy subject "It", and replace it with the real, or logical subject:

It took me three hours to write back.
Writing back took me three hours.

First of all, the verb TAKE has the following semantic structure: take someone some time to do something. Note the infinitive verb "to do".

Second, infinitive verbs express an event as not having yet been realized, or actualized, whereas present participles express an event as having been actualized, be it partially realized or fully realized.

Getting the job done is important. (We're about to do or are doing the job now)
To get the job done is important. (We're not doing the job now)

Talking about politics is dangerous. (We are having a debate about politics)
To talk about politics is dangerous. (We are not talking about politics)

Third, the letter was written, the event actualized, so use "writing back" as the subject:

Writing back took me three hours.

As an object, though, the event has to conform to the semantic structure of TAKE:

It took me three hours to write back.

Guest · Answer

I see.

When the it-beginning sentences with "be" verb, the following verbal could be Ving or to V ,depending on the situation, but when the sentences with the verb like "take/cost/require", the following verbal only could use to V.

Am I right?

Thank you for your help.

Guest · Answer

I have a question about the sentence that Casi gave: Writing back took me three hours.
I wonder if I can change "Writing back" to "To write back"? When "to Write back" is used? I would like to know the difference between the infinitive and the gerund when used as the subject of a sentence. Thanks a lot.

Guest · Answer

I got a letter from a pen pal in America yesterday.And it took me three hours writing back

Kem · Answer

i think both are possible to use
dont be confused about it
just follow ur senses

Rnaz · Answer

Please help me to know which of the following two sentences is correct. Thanks,

1. I complain to police
2. I complaint to police

Mister Micawber · Answer

Hello, Rnaz. Thanks for joining us at English Forums. When you have a question on a new topic, it is better to start a new thread (click the 'New Post' button at the top left in any forum menu).

#1 is correct, because 'complain' is the verb. Your #2 sentence has no verb; 'complaint' is a noun.

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