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Dileepa Posted 6 years ago
Grammar

Meaning of "to being a cop"

I found the following sentence in a movie (The Bounty Hunter 2010). The confusing part for me is that they use "being" after "to".


The original sentence from the movie:-

I can go back to being a cop any time I want.


The sentence that I've modified.

I can go back to be a cop any time I want.


I would be grateful if someone could let me know what is the difference between the above sentences. This is mainly down to the fact that I'm not familiar with "to being" part.


Script

http://transcripts.foreverdreaming.org/viewtopic.php?f=150&t=35545

  

Top answer

dileepa I can go back to being a cop any time I want. It's correct as written. It's a standard way to describe returning to a former occupation.

— Blue Jay

  • dileepa I can go back to being a cop any time I want.
  • It's correct as written.
  • It's a standard way to describe returning to a former occupation.
  • dileepa I can go back to be a cop any time I want.
  • This would suggest that you are going back to a place you were before where you can be a cop.
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2 Answers
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dileepaI can go back to being a cop any time I want.

It's correct as written. It's a standard way to describe returning to a former occupation.

dileepaI can go back to be a cop any time I want.

This would suggest that you are going back to a place you were before where you can be a cop. It doesn't necessarily mean

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dileepaI can go back to being a cop any time I want.

"to" is a preposition here. The only verb form that can occur after a preposition (where a noun usually occurs) is the -ing form.

I can go back to the market (where I lost my wallet).
I can go back to doing my homework (after I finish dinner).

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