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Anonymous Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

I couldn't get the engine starting.

I couldn't get the engine to start. VS. I couldn't get the engine starting.

I saw the either one and I was wondering if there is any nuance or different usage between them to native English speakers? Thank you so much as usual and have a good day.
  

Top answer

For some reason, you can't use "starting" that way. " You can, however, say that you couldn't get the engine going (but not "to go") or running or to run.

— Enoon

  • For some reason, you can't use "starting" that way.
  • " You can, however, say that you couldn't get the engine going (but not "to go") or running or to run.
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3 Answers
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For some reason, you can't use "starting" that way. It's "I couldn't get the engine to start." You can, however, say that you couldn't get the engine going (but not "to go") or running or to run.
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Thank you so much and then can I say both "I couldn't get the engine to run" and "I couldn't get the engine running" for the same meaning?
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AnonymousThank you so much and then can I say both "I couldn't get the engine to run" and "I couldn't get the engine running" for the same meaning?
Yes.
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