noun clauses

Question

what is the rule for using the infinitive as the subject of a noun clause? can you?

example:

I found out that going to work everyday is important.
I found out that to go to work everyday is important.

both ok but gerund is more natural? im an esl teacher needing to explain this to a confused rule-loving student so any angles on this would help.

thanks
scott

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi'

I would offer as a general rule that both are OK, but mention that common usage often depends on the context as well as on the verb.

Best wishes, Clive

CalifJim · Answer

At least in subject position, the gerund is by far more common in most contexts. The use of the infinitive can raise the register, but that may be undesirable -- unless the speaker wishes to be seen as one who speaks in poetic aphorisms!

To err is human; to forgive is divine.
To go to work every day is the glory of the proletariat.

In other positions, it's hard to say whether there is much of a 'rule' except that an infinitive is impossible after a preposition.

The object of the game is to ... [Use the infinitive here.]
We execute this move with the object of ... -ing [Use the gerund here.]

CJ

noun clauses

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions