Grammar

I'd use 'eat' - what they were designed to do was (to) eat.

English Patrick..what they were designed to do – eating.

Hello. I believe eating is correct and fitting.

Got to admit, that sounds better to me, but no way could I explain the grammatical rule that makes me say this.

- Patrick

Oh, dear. Two replies, two different answers. I suppose that makes me feel a bit better about my not being able to decide.

Can anyone else explain the grammar that applies here?

- Patrick

I'm neither a native speaker nor a teacher, but I think both words are equally correct and the destinction between them is a semantical one.

This is how I think of it:

..what they were designed to do – eat: They were designed to eat a lot, frequently.

..what they were designed to do – eating: They were designed to be good at eating. (Th

English PatrickCan anyone else explain the grammar that applies here?

Just an hour ago the first blister had burst, revealing a packed huddle of hundreds of minute maggots, which had promptly spread out and started doing what they were designed to do – (to) eat.


Just an hour ago the first blister had burst, revealing

Yes, that does seem correct to me now to write it like that. I must learn that trick of putting in the words that we often miss out in modern English. Thank you for clearing that up.

By the way, are you a native English speaker (I notice your profile says Czech)?

Kind wishes, Patrick

English PatrickBy the way, are you a native English speaker (I notice your profile says Czech)?

I live in the Czech republic, but I am a native speaker of (British) English - and have been so for over sixty years.