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Anonymous Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Want+obj+v-ing

Hi,

1.He doesn't want people smoking in his house.

2.He doesn't want people to smoke in his house.

Is #1 correct and #2 not correct?

What is the difference between them if #2 is ok?

Thank you very much.
  

Top answer

Both are OK and mean the same thing. The first emphasizes, perhaps, a more intensely personal negative reaction to smoking; the second, perhaps, a more objective attitude -- a sort of "official rule". CJ

— CalifJim

  • Both are OK and mean the same thing.
  • The first emphasizes, perhaps, a more intensely personal negative reaction to smoking; the second, perhaps, a more objective attitude -- a sort of "official rule".
  • CJ
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8 Answers
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Both are OK and mean the same thing.
The first emphasizes, perhaps, a more intensely personal negative reaction to smoking; the second, perhaps, a more objective attitude -- a sort of "official rule".

CJ
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They are both OK. They both basically would mean the same thing when you speak in English. You should not be frowned upon for using either one
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Hi CJ and kjmoney,
Thank you!
Can I say 'He wants you smoking outside of the house'?
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AnonymousCan I say 'He wants you smoking outside of the house'?
Yes. That would be a little unusual, however. It seems to be saying, whether the person normally smokes or not, that he should immediately go outside and smoke. To my ear it seems to be a very insistent command.

He wants you to smoke outside (of) the house is more usual. It say
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Hi CJ,

Thanks for your clear and helpful explanation.

1.Do you want me to leave?

2.Do you want me leaving?

What's the difference in meaning between them?

Thank you very much.
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Anonymous1.Do you want me to leave?

2.Do you want me leaving?

I hope you don't intend to repeat the same question for each of the thousands of verbs in the English language!
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Hi CJ,
CalifJimThe basic principles outlined above apply to all cases. The infinitive is by far the more common verb form after "want".

According to my dictionary, the form 'want+someone+v-ing' is usually used in negative, is that so?

The "-ing" form emphasizes generalized activity

I'm afraid I can't understand what you meant by that,
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AnonymousAccording to my dictionary, the form 'want+someone+v-ing' is usually used in negative, is that so?
Usually, yes, but you'll hear it in the affirmative as well.
AnonymousThe "-ing" form emphasizes generalized activity

I'm afraid I can't understand what you meant by that, could you explain about it?
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