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Emma1475 Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Infinitive or Gerund

Hello, I wonder how should I use these sentences:
'The dress will need being shortened.' (I need to use Gerund)

'I am sorry for keeping you waiting. (can I use two -ing forms?)'
'He thanked her for having done the work in a short time'. Is this correct?
Thank you,
Emma
  

Top answer

"need being shortened" is wrong. You could say "The dress will need to be shortened" or "The dress will need shortening ". " "He thanked her for having done the work in a short time" is fine.

— Mr Wordy

  • "need being shortened" is wrong.
  • You could say "The dress will need to be shortened" or "The dress will need shortening ".
  • " "He thanked her for having done the work in a short time" is fine.
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1 Answers
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"need being shortened" is wrong. You could say "The dress will need to be shortened" or "The dress will need shortening".

"I am sorry for keeping you waiting" is OK, but slightly better (in my opinion) is "I am sorry to have kept you waiting."

"He thanked her for having done the work in a short time" is fine.
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