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shuhuang
Joined: 09 Mar 2009
Posts: 33
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 Posted: Sun Jun 21, 2009 10:25 pm Post subject: It's no use Ving/to V? |
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Hi, teachers
What exactly is the right form to use after the pattern "it's no use?" And what about "it's of no use?"
Thanks. |
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dragn
Joined: 17 Feb 2009
Posts: 450
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| Posted: Mon Jun 22, 2009 6:57 pm Post subject: |
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| What exactly is the right form to use after the pattern "it's no use?" And what about "it's of no use?" |
The construction "it's no use doing/to do st" is one of those little gems that native speakers love to squabble over from time to time. Many grammar texts seem to show preference for "it's no use doing st," but I can give you references to passages in which professional writers of prodigious skill and reputation use both. Personally, that tells me everything I need to know.
I would say that the phrase "it's of no use" is a bit of a toss-up as well. I feel more comfortable using the infinitive; however, you may well hear native speakers use the v-ing form as well.
Note that we also often say that "st is of no use to sb." That is, it's useless to that person.
Hope this helps.
Greg |
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