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Habibaelgindy Posted 9 years ago
Grammar

To punch or punching?

My automatic reflex would be punching/to punch them.
  

Top answer

to punch In an equative sentence (a sentence with a form of linking verb be ) a verb in subject position is usually in the -ing form, but a verb in the subject complement position is usually in the to form. In this case there's also a problem with 'punching' after 'would be'. You don't want to suggest that your reflex was in the act of punching someone.

  • to punch In an equative sentence (a sentence with a form of linking verb be ) a verb in subject position is usually in the -ing form, but a verb in the subject complement position is usually in the to form.
  • In this case there's also a problem with 'punching' after 'would be'.
  • You don't want to suggest that your reflex was in the act of punching someone.
  • ) so we prefer My favorite thing is to eat ice cream .
  • CJ
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1 Answers
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to punch

In an equative sentence (a sentence with a form of linking verb be) a verb in subject position is usually in the -ing form, but a verb in the subject complement position is usually in the to form.

In this case there's also a problem with 'punching' after 'would be'. You don't want to suggest that your reflex was in the act of punching someone. Simila

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