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Hans51 Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

Usage of the word "deserve"

I have learned that "The book deserves reading" means "The book deserves to be read" and then I was wondering if I also can say, "You deserve receiving the prize" for the same meaning as "You deserve to receive the prize" or only the latter is natural to native English speakers? Or could you tell me when deserve + ing and deserve + to V are interchangeable for the same meaning?

Thank you so much as usual in advance.
  

Top answer

You deserve to receive the prize is more common, but the -ing form is used also. There may be a question of timing. You deserve to receive the prize might indicate that the prize has not yet been awarded, while receiving could indicate that you have it in your hand.

— Philip

  • You deserve to receive the prize is more common, but the -ing form is used also.
  • There may be a question of timing.
  • You deserve to receive the prize might indicate that the prize has not yet been awarded, while receiving could indicate that you have it in your hand.
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3 Answers
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You deserve to receive the prize is more common, but the -ing form is used also. [ Edit...There may be a question of timing. You deserve to receive the prize might indicate that the prize has not yet been awarded, while receiving could indicate that you have it in your hand.
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I have to say that to me "You deserve receiving the prize" sounds wrong.
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Hans51The book deserves reading ...You deserve receiving the prize
These sound wrong to me. Only these sound right to me:

The book deserves to be read. You deserve to receive the prize.

Nevertheless, with a gerund:

This room is filthy. It deserves a good going-over with soap and water.

CJ
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