... the first step to make / making positive change

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
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Never fear to take the first step to make / making positive change in our community.

Which is the correct verb?

Thanks.

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I think this would be a good question for @RyanBell…

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First there must be an “a” before positive. And second. To make would be the appropriate context. Never fear to take the first step to make a positive change in our community… “Never fear to take the first step to making a positive change in our community.” While it makes sense, it isn’t grammatically correct.

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However, it can be worded differently to fit different contexts. Never fear to be the first person to take a step forward in making a positive change in our community.

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Hi Ryan, thanks a lot for your swift response. To avoid using two infinitives how about:

‘Never fear to take the first step towards a positive change in your community’?

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Your concern is about using the infinitive or the gerund. Yes, I’d recommend the gerund (with to into towards): Never fear to take the first step towards making positive changes in your community. (Here the word change being countable, it should be in plural or be preceded by the non-definite article as RyanBell has suggested.)

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