Ed to or ing to ?

Question

When do we need to use ed to or ing to ?For example, using comparing to or using compared to ?

Avangi · Accepted Answer

Both participles are used in the formation of finite verbs. The past participle is used in the perfect tenses, while the present participle is used in the continuous tenses.
The "ed" form serves as the simple past tense in finite verb forms.

Both may be used as adjectives, or in fronting participial phrases.

The "ing" form is also used as a gerund, or noun.

Comparing apples to oranges is a stupid thing to do. (gerund)
You are comparing apples to oranges. (present continuous tense)
He was comparing apples to oranges. (past continuous tense)
She compared me to a dead fish. (simple past tense)
She has compared me to a dead fish. (present perfect tense)
She had compared me to her first husband. (past perfect tense)
The compared performances of the two cars are indistinguisable. (adjective)
The comparing parameters to be used are acceleration and fuel consumption. (adjective)
Compared to a dead fish, you win hands down! (participial phrase)
Comparing you to a dead fish, I'd say you come out ahead. (participial phrase)

I suppose I misunderstood your question.

I can't think of a case where you'd use "comparing to."

The answer to your question might be, "when it's fronting a past participial phrase."

We say things like, "According to the dictionary, you're not allowed to say that."

"Special privileges have been accorded to the mayor."

Ed to or ing to ?

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