"noun + of + gerund" vs "noun + to + bare infinitive verb".

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hi, please help me with this:

1/ Hi, I have some problems with “noun + of + gerund” and “noun + to + bare infinitive verb”.
Please have a look at these sentences:
She has the ability of doing that
children have a tendency to play down difficulties
they have a determination of overcoming problems

=> which of these above sentences correct? and how can we distinguish when to use “noun + of + gerund” and “noun + to + bare infinitive”?

2/ Shall I give the cat a slice of meet? - It’s better…
a. not to
b. to not
c. not give
d. not to give
=> which answer is more suitable? a or d?

2

Hi Nessie

  1. To me, only your second sentence is correct. This is the way I might word your sentences:
  • She has the ability to do that.
  • Children have a tendency to play down difficulties.
  • They have the determination to overcome problems.
  1. To me, only a. not to is possible.
    .
3

I still remember seeing the usage of “noun + of + V_ing” . Could you please give me some examples?

4

.
Here are some examples, Nessie:

  • He has a history of losing his cool.

  • That kind of dancing is the most enjoyable.

  • The advantages of having a university degree are clear to most people.

  • How did Federal Express solve the problem of processing all of its packages overnight?

  • There is a risk of being reprimanded if you voice an opinion.
    .

5

Looks like some one is speaking from experience :smiley:

Yankee! Was that just another line or did the bad bad bad world teach you that? :lol:

6

.
Let’s just say that sort of thing happens “some times” – if you catch my drift. :lol:
.

7

Thanks a lot, Amy, but it seems I haven’t caught the point of when to use “N + to V” and “N + of + gerund”

And how about this:

We have the responsibility of taking care of them

8

.
You could say that, Nessie. However, it would be more common to say it this way:
“We are responsible for taking care of them.”
.

9

We just learn nouns by heart (which are followed by to-infinitive or by -ing forms).
a. not to (still not sure)