ing or to do?

Question

I am familiar with the fact that I should use "to do" when I use words such as as"aim/plan/hope/wish/purpose/wish" as subjects, as in the following example: My plan is to study in Paris for learning literature.

On the other hand, when I use words such as"hobby/pleasure" as subjects, I should stick to "doing" as in the folllowing example: "My hobby is collecting stamps."

Then, what about this? Are they both grammatically acceptable, or should I use one form over the other?

(1) The nature of humor is not to tell stupid jokes and make people laugh but to love and be considerate of them.

(2) The nature of humor is not telling stupid jokes and making people laugh but loving and being considerate of them.

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

Both are grammatical, but (1) sounds classier (more elegant).

CJ

TeacherJapan · Answer

I see:) Thank you very much for your answer:)  So I guess some nouns should require the use of "to do," but if nounds don't have a connotation of "something you do in the future," the choice between "to do" and "doing" is pretty much up to the writer:)

CalifJim · Answer

teacherJapanthe choice between "to do" and "doing" is pretty much up to the writer

Yes. This is quite often true, though there are constructions in which only one of the two is permitted — not that I can name them at the moment.

CJ

TeacherJapan · Answer

Ah, I see:) Very interesting, indeed. Thank you very much for your confirmation:)

ing or to do?

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