I have a difficulty (in all i have) in english with the use of the -ing form after some verbs, or the form with "to".
When must i use one form or the other ? Would you help a poor French to write in a better english ?
Posted by jebus202 (Member # 2524) on :
The form with "to" is pretty simple, it's the infinitive.
In french, the infinitive verbs end in "er" "ir" or "re".
I think the instances when you use the infinitive are the same in English and French most of the time.
The "ing" bit gets a bit more complicated. Hopefully someone else will explain it so I don't have to go look at notes.
Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
"To" form is the infinitive. It is "timeless."
I have to eat. I need to go.
I will need to go I had to go.
Note that the verb in the sentence is not the infinitive, but the other verb (which I learned to call a "state of being" verb, but that seems sort of like it might not be standard usage).
I believe the equivalent exists in French. I'm wracking my poor old brain for examples and can't recall enough vocabulary at the moment. Sorry.
The -ing ending is also an "infinite" type of verb, come to think of it. I think the difference is in what "helping verbs" it can take. The sense (to an English speaker) is radically different. They aren't at all interchangeable.
I am going I will be going
is not the same as "I have to go." (even leaving aside the vernacular scatalogical reference).
At the very least, they could be used to place different emphasis or to say things in a more refined fashion.
"I am going" is emphatic and brooks no discussion. I need to go" is less so -- like you could be talked out of it, or you are thinking about it, but not quite ready to go.
In some sense, the "I am going" is just a simple declarative sentence and it states that the person is in the act of "going".
"I need to go" is not so simple a declaration. It can be said in so many different ways.
Panicked "I need to go!" Desire "I need to go." Equivocally, blase, etc.
Verbally, it's richer.
You should know, however, that English speakers often try to use "I am going" with different emphases and so it's kind of come into our vernacular that people will say things like:
I am so going!
or simply,
I am going!
THe above might be said about a particular social function that one desires to attend, but one lacks the vocabulary to express this desire properly.
Anyway, I'm sure the real English-major/teacher types can explain this a lot better. Or is that "more better?" I call on them to explain, because I know they will be explaining.
In the meantime, you got me.
I am going.
Posted by MidnightBlue (Member # 6146) on :
I could relate the -ing to spanish, if that would help. AFAIK it's the same as the -ando ending. He is talking. Él está hablando.
Posted by Shmuel (Member # 7586) on :
Complicating matters a bit, the "-ing" ending can be used to create two different forms: the present participle and the gerund. This page may or may not be helpful.
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