Many students have learnt that 'to' can't be followed by a word ending in 'ing'. But you might have noticed that I break this 'rule' in some of my essays. For example:
"strict punishments for driving offences are the key to reducing traffic accidents"
This phrase is completely correct, so it must mean that the "rule" was wrong! You can put 'to' with 'ing' in many situations. Here are some examples:
- The key to being more productive is...
- I look forward to seeing you.
- He admitted to taking the money.
- Scientists are closer to being able to...
- Seven steps to reaching your goals!
Can you find any more examples?
Tip: try searching on Google for "to being", "to having", "to doing" etc.
I'm getting used to viewing lessons by examiner Simon
Posted by: Nhan | May 20, 2017 at 09:56
The government should commit to protecting the environment for sustainable development.
Posted by: Nhan | May 20, 2017 at 10:10
@Nhan
It just means that the usage of get accustomed to doing is also correct?
Posted by: Bjergsen | May 20, 2017 at 11:48
i have a little confusion with your post. i think may be we have to memorise for using in a specific situation
Posted by: Sáu | May 20, 2017 at 14:35
If the "to" you use is a preposition, It then can be followed by 'ing'. If not, it cannot
Posted by: White Liu | May 20, 2017 at 14:38
is committed to reducing
Posted by: L | May 20, 2017 at 18:37
This applies to many situations and to changing the ending of the verb. One becomes accustomed/addicted/committed/connected/devoted/exposed/limited/opposed/used/introduced to changing the ending of the verb. So one cannot object to changing the ending of the verb.
Posted by: yogi | May 20, 2017 at 20:32
One way to improve Task 1 answers is to translate Simon's own answer into one' own language; wait a week and translate it back into English, and find your own mistakes.
Posted by: yogi | May 21, 2017 at 02:17
i look forward to hearing from you.
Posted by: Dong Nguyen | May 21, 2017 at 06:40
In addition to painting walls, I will have a designer redecorate my sitting room.
Posted by: Kami | May 21, 2017 at 11:08
Another example is: young people are often addicted to watching TV.
Posted by: Nhung | May 22, 2017 at 16:28
I am used to getting up early.
Posted by: Ngan | May 23, 2017 at 12:43
I just read this sentence from a book.
A nexus analysis amounted to trying to make sense of our work and of our lives as young academics in new jobs in Alaska.
So "amount to" here means "be equate to" or "be equal to".and to here is a preposition.
Posted by: LU | September 15, 2019 at 12:53
participle clauses can used to reduce prepositional phrases or to express time relationship, reason, cause and effect, and condition .
1. Students trying to improve reading skill should read newspaper daily. (reduced prepositional phrase )
2. Having written the task 1 in exam , I turned my attention to task 2.
(time relationship)
3. Playing too much video game after school, he performed poorly in exam. (reason)
4. Having consumed too much fossils oil, man kind made the environment less pleasant for many species. (cause and effect)
5. consumed with prescription, marijuana can have some health benefits. (condition )
Posted by: Muhammad Mustafa | September 18, 2019 at 15:16