0
MichaelM Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

The matter of highest importance to me!

Hi! What is the rule for using TO or -ing in sentences like this:
To get up and go to bed early is best.
The usual round of duties for a doctor is to check up patients, cure them and so on and so forth.  
I'd welcome an expert opinion and would be 1000 times grateful.
  

Top answer

There is no rule. Generally, the '-ing' form appears in the subject position (as in your first sentence). '-Ing' suggests the ongoing activity, while 'to' suggests the potentiality of the action, and most usages are based on that difference.

— Mister Micawber

  • There is no rule.
  • Generally, the '-ing' form appears in the subject position (as in your first sentence).
  • '-Ing' suggests the ongoing activity, while 'to' suggests the potentiality of the action, and most usages are based on that difference.
  • Often it is too subtle to matter.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

3 Answers
0
There is no rule. Generally, the '-ing' form appears in the subject position (as in your first sentence). '-Ing' suggests the ongoing activity, while 'to' suggests the potentiality of the action, and most usages are based on that difference. Often it is too subtle to matter.
0
0
In this way I should better say
Getting up and going to bed early is the best with a way too subtle difference from To get up and go... ?
0

Related Questions