Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[yoshi-pooh]

Hi, everyone

My grammar book says it's okay to say, "My job is to organize conferences."

However, the book also says it isn't correct to say, "My hobby is to collect stamps", and that it has to be be "My job is collecting stamps."

I understand both "job" and "hobby" are referred to what you do now.

So, I wonder why one is okay and the other is wrong.

thank you

yoshi-pooh

[myprofe]

A. My job here is to help people learn English. -sounds natural
B. My job here is helping people learn English. -sounds natural

C. My hobby is helping people learn English. -sounds natural
D. My hobby is to help people learn English. -doesn't sound natural

I don't know why "D" sounds unnatural to me.

_________________
I'm never going to learn if you don't correct my mistakes!

[2006]

A job has a goal that needs to be accomplished; we have to do something. Therefore, "My job is to help people learn English." (although we can also say "helping", which stresses the action component of the job)

A hobby is mainly an activity, a self-oriented pleasure-giving activity. Therefore, "My hobby is helping people learn English."

[yoshi-pooh]

My profe, 2006, thank you so much for your replies.
It seems to me that this subject is very confusing to me.

yoshi-pooh

[Lorikeet]

It's okay Yoshi-pooh--it seems to be confusing to me too.

[yoshi-pooh]

Hi, Lorikeet

Ha ha ha! Thank you for your comment.

I'm relieved to hear that.


yoshi-pooh