BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course

Redeem

preference for gerund over infinitive "to"

This topic has expert replies
Post new topic Locked
Previous Topic Next Topic
Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 13
Joined: Fri Apr 25, 2008 4:21 am
Location: India
Thanked: 1 times

preference for gerund over infinitive "to"

by manasnanu » Mon Apr 28, 2008 4:39 am
Hi all

I am still confused when to give preference to gerund and when to give preference to INFINITVE.
Like in the following example:

for diagnosing XYZ disease is correct or to diagnose XYZ disease is correct......


227. Coronary angiography, a sophisticated method for diagnosing coronary disease involving the introduction of a dye into the arteries of the heart, is now administered selectively, because it uses x-rays to observe cardiac function.
(A) for diagnosing coronary disease involving the introduction of a dye into the arteries of the heart, is now administered selectively, because it uses
(B) for diagnosing coronary disease involving the introduction of a dye into the arteries of heart, is now administered selectively, because of using
(C) for diagnosing coronary disease, involves the introduction of dye into the arteries of the heart and is now administered selectively, because it uses
(D) to diagnose coronary disease that involves the introduction of a dye into the arteries of the heart, is now administered selectively, because it uses
(E) to diagnose coronary disease involving the introduction of a dye into the arteries of the heart, which is now administered selectively, uses
let me give the power of perseverance.............
Top
Source: — Sentence Correction |
User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 3225
Joined: Tue Jan 08, 2008 2:40 pm
Location: Toronto
Thanked: 1710 times
Followed by:614 members
GMAT Score:800

by Stuart@KaplanGMAT » Mon Apr 28, 2008 2:44 pm
On the GMAT, if you have to choose between an "ing" verb and the infinitive AFTER another verb, always choose the infinitive. When the verb does not follow another verb, the participle ("ing" form) is usually correct.

So, if the sentence had read:

"Coronary angiography, a sophisticated method used for diagnosing coronary ..."

we'd say "to diagnose" instead of "for diagnosing".

However, since we jump directly from the noun ("method") to the verb, "for diagnosing" is better.
Image

Stuart Kovinsky | Kaplan GMAT Faculty | Toronto

Kaplan Exclusive: The Official Test Day Experience | Ready to Take a Free Practice Test? | Kaplan/Beat the GMAT Member Discount
BTG100 for $100 off a full course
Top
Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 111
Joined: Wed Oct 31, 2007 2:50 am
Thanked: 11 times

explain more. pls.

by thang » Mon Apr 28, 2008 6:52 pm
I am happy with the explaination. But, why we should usd "to infinitive" after a verb and "ing" after a noun. Best regards
Top
Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 17
Joined: Sat Apr 05, 2008 5:18 pm

by krajaram29 » Sat May 03, 2008 6:43 am
Is the answer C?
Top
Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 111
Joined: Wed Oct 31, 2007 2:50 am
Thanked: 11 times

infinitive or gerund

by thang » Thu May 15, 2008 7:38 pm
in the book"english grammar, a university course by Downing, 2006 edition, page 459" the author said that some noun should go with "to infinitive" and other noun with "ing". but there is no word "method" but there is word "way"

so "method" is similar to "way" and should take "ing"

this book can download from many places in the internet, of course, for free.
Top
User avatar
Legendary Member
Posts: 540
Joined: Sat Dec 20, 2008 7:24 pm
Thanked: 37 times
Followed by:6 members

by navami » Thu May 12, 2011 10:05 pm
Stuart Kovinsky wrote:On the GMAT, if you have to choose between an "ing" verb and the infinitive AFTER another verb, always choose the infinitive. When the verb does not follow another verb, the participle ("ing" form) is usually correct.

So, if the sentence had read:

"Coronary angiography, a sophisticated method used for diagnosing coronary ..."

we'd say "to diagnose" instead of "for diagnosing".

However, since we jump directly from the noun ("method") to the verb, "for diagnosing" is better.

Please explain me what did you mean with However, since we jump directly from the noun ("method") to the verb, "for diagnosing" is better.
Also, with the help of the above how am I suppose to reach the right answer. Is it C?
This time no looking back!!!
Navami
Top
User avatar
Legendary Member
Posts: 979
Joined: Tue Apr 14, 2009 1:38 am
Location: Hyderabad, India
Thanked: 49 times
Followed by:12 members
GMAT Score:700

by bubbliiiiiiii » Thu May 12, 2011 10:20 pm
manasnanu wrote:
227.Coronary angiography, a sophisticated method for diagnosing coronary disease involving the introduction of a dye into the arteries of the heart, is now administered selectively, because it uses x-rays to observe cardiac function.
(A) for diagnosing coronary disease involving the introduction of a dye into the arteries of the heart, is now administered selectively, because it uses
(B) for diagnosing coronary disease involving the introduction of a dye into the arteries of heart, is now administered selectively, because of using
(C) for diagnosing coronary disease, involves the introduction of dye into the arteries of the heart and is now administered selectively, because it uses
(D) to diagnose coronary disease that involves the introduction of a dye into the arteries of the heart, is now administered selectively, because it uses
(E) to diagnose coronary disease involving the introduction of a dye into the arteries of the heart, which is now administered selectively, uses
IMO C.

A, B and E have the verb+ing place after disease which indicates that the disease needs introduction of dye whereas its not the disease but method which needs it.

In D, the subordinate clause indicator that seems to describe disesase whereas it should describe method.

C has correctly places modifier, which modifies the term 'Coronary anfipgraphy' and the verb agrees with the subject in singular form.

Please correct incase I am wrong.
Regards,

Pranay
Top
Legendary Member
Posts: 2330
Joined: Fri Jan 15, 2010 5:14 am
Thanked: 56 times
Followed by:26 members

by mundasingh123 » Fri May 13, 2011 8:29 am
thang wrote:I am happy with the explaination. But, why we should usd "to infinitive" after a verb and "ing" after a noun. Best regards
Because the infinitive phrase is an adverbial modifier
I Seek Explanations Not Answers
Top
Legendary Member
Posts: 2330
Joined: Fri Jan 15, 2010 5:14 am
Thanked: 56 times
Followed by:26 members

by mundasingh123 » Fri May 13, 2011 8:30 am
bubbliiiiiiii wrote:
manasnanu wrote:
227.Coronary angiography, a sophisticated method for diagnosing coronary disease involving the introduction of a dye into the arteries of the heart, is now administered selectively, because it uses x-rays to observe cardiac function.
(A) for diagnosing coronary disease involving the introduction of a dye into the arteries of the heart, is now administered selectively, because it uses
(B) for diagnosing coronary disease involving the introduction of a dye into the arteries of heart, is now administered selectively, because of using
(C) for diagnosing coronary disease, involves the introduction of dye into the arteries of the heart and is now administered selectively, because it uses
(D) to diagnose coronary disease that involves the introduction of a dye into the arteries of the heart, is now administered selectively, because it uses
(E) to diagnose coronary disease involving the introduction of a dye into the arteries of the heart, which is now administered selectively, uses
IMO C.

A, B and E have the verb+ing place after disease which indicates that the disease needs introduction of dye whereas its not the disease but method which needs it.

In D, the subordinate clause indicator that seems to describe disesase whereas it should describe method.

C has correctly places modifier, which modifies the term 'Coronary anfipgraphy' and the verb agrees with the subject in singular form.

Please correct incase I am wrong.
Nice
I Seek Explanations Not Answers
Top
User avatar
Legendary Member
Posts: 540
Joined: Sat Dec 20, 2008 7:24 pm
Thanked: 37 times
Followed by:6 members

by navami » Sat May 14, 2011 6:44 pm
According to Stuart,

"C is, indeed, the correct answer. Knowing that we want the "ing" verb allows us to quickly eliminate D and E, then there are other reasons to choose C over A and B.

It will be very rare to have an infinitive directly beside a noun; you generally use the infinitive form of a verb following another verb."
This time no looking back!!!
Navami
Top
Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 165
Joined: Wed Aug 04, 2010 9:44 pm
Thanked: 8 times

by sandy217 » Wed May 18, 2011 2:27 am
Stuart Kovinsky wrote:On the GMAT, if you have to choose between an "ing" verb and the infinitive AFTER another verb, always choose the infinitive. When the verb does not follow another verb, the participle ("ing" form) is usually correct.

So, if the sentence had read:

"Coronary angiography, a sophisticated method used for diagnosing coronary ..."

we'd say "to diagnose" instead of "for diagnosing".

However, since we jump directly from the noun ("method") to the verb, "for diagnosing" is better.
The American Medical Association has argued that the rapidly rising costs associated with malpractice litigation are driving doctors from the profession and that reform of the tort system is imperative for bringing malpractice insurance premiums under control.
(A) that reform of the tort system is imperative for bringing malpractice insurance premiums
(B) that reform of the tort system is imperative if malpractice insurance premiums are to be brought
(C) that reform of the tort system is imperative to bring malpractice insurance premiums
(D) reform of the tort system is necessary in bringing malpractice insurance premiums
(E) the tort system needs to be reformed so that malpractice insurance premiums are brought

Following same logic, the answer for the above should be A? isnt it?
Top

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 645
Joined: Mon Jul 26, 2010 12:42 pm
Location: US
Thanked: 527 times
Followed by:227 members

by e-GMAT » Wed May 18, 2011 5:47 am
To decide between using "for verb-ing" and "to verb", I typically go by the context of the sentence.

When is "to verb" better than "for verb-ing" - When the intended meaning explicitly states the intention or purpose.

Example: Consider this OG sentence:
While some propose to combat widespread illegal copying of computer programs by attempting to ..., others by suggesting reducing software prices to decrease the incentive for pirating...

In this sentence, it is apparent that the PURPOSE of reducing software prices is TO decrease the incentive for pirating. Thus, in this sentence "to decrease" is correct.

When is "for verb-ing" correct?

OG12# 40: Dr. Tonegawa won the Nobel Prize for discovering how the body can constantly change its genes to fashion...
In this sentence, "to discover" is incorrect since it changes the intended meaning of the sentence. The sentence implies that Dr. Tonegawa won the Nobel Prize. It then explains what for he won the Nobel Prize. He won it for discovering how the body changes...
If we replace for verb-ing with "to verb" here, then the sentence will imply that the purpose of Dr. Tonegawa to win the Nobel Prize was to discover how body changes...

Thus, if the context of the sentence requires you to express an INTENT, then you should use "to verb". Extending this thought, because of their inherent meaning, some words require use of "to verb" . This is tested in Questions 51 & 73.

In #51: ability for distinguishing is incorrect. It should be ability to distinguish. This makes complete sense. When we express the idea of "ability", automatically we think "ability to do something" - So the idea of INTENT comes in and hence we should use ability to verb and not ability for verb-ing.

Similarly in #73 - when we say the word "equipped",the meaning is such that we know that there is an intent involved. People are equipped to do something. There is an intent behind getting equipped. And hence "equipped to verb" is more appropriate.

Here are some more OG12 questions in which "for verb-ing" is correct:
6, 106, 107

In summary, we should use "to verb" in place of "for verb-ing" when the meaning indicates "intent". In certain other cases, "to verb" will not make sense since "intent" is not the correct meaning. In certain other cases, both to verb and for verb-ing will be correct. Go with the context...

Now coming to the two questions discussed in this thread:
Question 1: Coronary angiography, a sophisticated method for diagnosing coronary disease involving the introduction of a dye into the arteries of the heart, is now administered selectively, because it uses x-rays to observe cardiac function.

In this sentence both "for diagnosing" and "to diagnose" are correct. In OG12 #107, in order to express similar context, "for verb-ing" is used - Originally developed for detecting air pollutants... Furthermore, all choices contain "for verb-ing".

Thus the distinction between "for verb-ing" and "to verb" is no applicable in this question to select the final answer. The analysis shown by @bubliiii is correct. It is a modifier based question.

Question 2: The American Medical Association has argued that the rapidly rising costs associated with malpractice litigation are driving doctors from the profession and that reform of the tort system is imperative for bringing malpractice insurance premiums under control.

This question on the other hand requires use of "to verb". This is driven by the meaning of the sentence. The sentence indicates that AMA indicates two things:
1: Doctors are leaving their profession because of the rising costs associated with malpractice litigation.
2: Thus, AMA suggests that IN ORDER TO control malpractice insurance premiums, reform of tort system is a must...

Thus, in this question there is a NEED To EXPRESS INTENTION. The intention of the reform of tort system is to bring these premiums under control.

Choice A is hence incorrect. Choice C is correct as it correctly uses "to verb" to express intention.

Hope this helps. :)
Top
Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts
Posts: 258
Joined: Fri Jun 22, 2012 4:39 am
Location: Bengaluru, India
Thanked: 6 times
Followed by:3 members
GMAT Score:640

by sachindia » Wed Nov 21, 2012 5:35 am
Stuart Kovinsky wrote:On the GMAT, if you have to choose between an "ing" verb and the infinitive AFTER another verb, always choose the infinitive. When the verb does not follow another verb, the participle ("ing" form) is usually correct.

So, if the sentence had read:

"Coronary angiography, a sophisticated method used for diagnosing coronary ..."

we'd say "to diagnose" instead of "for diagnosing".

However, since we jump directly from the noun ("method") to the verb, "for diagnosing" is better.
Hhi Stuart,
Can we always apply this rule of yours?
I should rather not ask you this because you have a 800 on gmat :) .. but would be glad if you could confirm.
Regards,
Sach
Top
Legendary Member
Posts: 1404
Joined: Tue May 20, 2008 6:55 pm
Thanked: 18 times
Followed by:2 members

by tanviet » Wed Nov 21, 2012 9:10 am
Dear e gmat, great explanation.

can I say that " to do " is used to show the intent

and

"for doing" is used to show the cause

because in the og question you mention "for doing" means the cause.
Top
Legendary Member
Posts: 1404
Joined: Tue May 20, 2008 6:55 pm
Thanked: 18 times
Followed by:2 members

by tanviet » Wed Nov 21, 2012 9:23 am
C can not be right because

the method involves and is administered selectively because it uses ...

"involve " because it uses : not logic


where this question is from? we do not have time to study this thing.
Top
Post new topic Locked
• Page 1 of 1