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Anonymous Posted 19 years ago
Grammar

noun clauses

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
  

Top 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

  • 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
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2 Answers
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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
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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

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