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NancyJosie Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Clefting

Hi,

I know that the follwing sentnence is correct:

Anyway, what they did was spend the time travelling round Spain.

but could I also say:

Anyway, what they did was spending the time travelling round Spain.

and if not, why not.

Also in the follwing sentence, why can't I use when instead of that?

Did you know it was in 1968 when/that he broke the world long jump record?

since I could use when in the following sentence;

What I'd like to know is when you're leaving.

Thanks a million
  

Top answer

NancyJosie Anyway, what they did was spend the time travelling round Spain. The infinitive, either complete with to or the plain/bare infinitive is used in sentences like the one above: What/All they did was [to] talk about it. Your question why the gerund isn't used id more difficult.

— Cool Breeze

  • NancyJosie Anyway, what they did was spend the time travelling round Spain.
  • The infinitive, either complete with to or the plain/bare infinitive is used in sentences like the one above: What/All they did was [to] talk about it.
  • Your question why the gerund isn't used id more difficult.
  • Very often there's no special reason why certain structures or words are used.
  • You could just as well ask why "a cat" means a cat, not a dog.
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2 Answers
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NancyJosieAnyway, what they did was spend the time travelling round Spain.
The infinitive, either complete with to or the plain/bare infinitive is used in sentences like the one above: What/All they did was [to] talk about it. Your question whythe gerund isn't used id more difficult. Very often there's no special reason why certain structu
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NancyJosiebut could I also say:

Anyway, what they did was spending the time travelling round Spain.

and if not, why not.
No. You have a "pseudo-cleft with do". Only doing would pair with spending.

What they were doing was spending time ....

CJ
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