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raewon
Joined: 16 Jun 2009
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Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 7:30 pm Post subject: Grammar Question |
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Could someone please take a look at the following sentence and give your opinion on the correct way to complete it and why.
For sure, giving away something you treasure is one of the best ways
to prove how much you care and necessary (to become / to becoming) a good person.
Thanks a lot. |
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nate1983
Joined: 30 Mar 2008
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Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 7:39 pm Post subject: |
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I think both could be grammatically correct, but have slightly different meanings. "To become" focuses on the end result of being a good person, but "to becoming" focuses on the process thereof. |
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edwardcatflap
Joined: 22 Mar 2009
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Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 7:41 pm Post subject: |
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It looks like another of those gerund v verb questions that often come up on here.
You can use 'it is necessary' with both a noun and a verb
e.g. It is necessary to pass your driving test before you can drive. (verb)
A strong police force is necessary to the security of the state (noun)
Grammatically therefore you should be able to use a gerund instead of a noun
A strong police force is necessary to securing the safety of the people.
Therefore I'd say both sentences are possible. |
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FMPJ
Joined: 03 Jun 2008
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Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 8:16 pm Post subject: |
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The second one is preferable because it's parallel. |
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The Cosmic Hum

Joined: 09 May 2003 Location: Sonic Space
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Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 10:38 pm Post subject: |
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Nate + Ed + FMPJ =  |
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raewon
Joined: 16 Jun 2009
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Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 10:48 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks for all the replies. I'm surprised - I think this is the first question I've asked that hasn't lead to an argument. Unanimous agreement across the board. It's a first for me! It might even be a first at Dave's.
(Nah, you'd have to disgregard all those watch out for Wonderland
threads).
Thanks everyone. |
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