Interrogative + to infinitive or gerund

Question

&lt;1&gt; We have the best method for them to learn how to invest money. &lt;2&gt; One of his studies shows how fearing criticism prevents people from improving.      One of his studies shows how to fear criticism prevents people from improving. (? ? ? ?)I have no difficuly understaning &lt;1&gt;, as "how to invest money" means "how they should invest money."However, regarding &lt;2&gt;, I'm not sure whether changing "how fearing" to "how to fear" can be possible. If it is impossible to use "how to fear", please tell me why. Thank you.

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

kjoon2257<2> One of his studies shows how fearing criticism prevents people from improving.

One of his studies shows how to fear criticism prevents people from improving.

(? ? ? ?)

No. You cannot substitute to fear for fearing. It has to be fearing. Here's the meaning:

One of his studies
shows
how / that

if people fear criticism,
that fear will prevent those people from improving.

More simply: One of his studies shows that people cannot improve if they fear criticism.

fearing criticism = fear of criticism = people's fear of criticism = having fear of criticism = being fearful of criticism = the fact that people fear criticism

fearing, as used in this sentence, is called a gerund. It's a verb form with -ing that is used somewhat like a noun.

CJ

Interrogative + to infinitive or gerund

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