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When should I use 'to doing'?
Usually, we say someone to do something. However, there are some exceptions.
Ex
I'm looking forward to hearing from you
A theoretical approach to understanding consumer behavior.
When should I use to + doing? Plz explain it in details and with examples. Thank you!
Jan 26, 2018 10:00 PM
Answers · 10
3
As Elsa says, it's when the 'to' is a preposition - belonging to the previous phrase - rather than part of the infinitive. Here are some examples of phrases ending in 'to' which need the following verb to be in the gerund (+ ing) form:
The most common ones are:
look forward to ( "I'm looking forward to seeing you")
be used to ("He's not used to driving on the left")
There are also these ones:
confess to
admit to
adjust to
be accustomed to
be devoted to
be addicted to
be committed to
be dedicated to
January 26, 2018
2
This is only possible when "to" functions as a preposition, not as part of the infinitive "TO DO."
In your examples, "look forward to" and "an approach to" TO is a preosition and therefore followed by either an object or a gerund.
Hope that helps!
January 26, 2018
1
Let me think for a while.
I am on my way to doing research into the usage of "to doing."
I admitted to doing this bad thing.
I hope my admission won't lead me to doing more harm than good.
January 26, 2018
1
That's such a great question, so I've just posted an in-depth explanation as a discussion topic:
https://www.italki.com/discussion/164168
January 26, 2018
Thank you for answering my questions. I appreciate it
January 27, 2018
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Chongsheng
Language Skills
Chinese (Mandarin), English, Spanish
Learning Language
English
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