- Japonês
-
Inglês (EUA)
Why is not "spread" but "spreading" after "to" in this sentence below?
They'll devote the profit to spreading their brand.
They'll devote the profit to spreading their brand.
I thought we use regular verbs after "to" usually.
Please somebody help me.
- Inglês (EUA)
The "to" really belongs to the verb, "devote...to." We can't use the verb without "to." "spreading their brand" is a gerund (a kind of noun phrase). If you use "spread," we would be left with the awkward phrase "they'll devote the profit," as the "to" would belong to the regular verb. Basically it is the verb that is confusing. We say "devote (noun or noun phrase) to (noun or noun phrase).
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- Inglês (EUA)
"Spread" can be used in the sentence.
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- Japonês
let me ask you one more thing.
So, you mean I can use both "spread" and "spreading" in this sentence?
I thought I can't use "~ing" after "to" usually.
- Inglês (EUA)
The "to" really belongs to the verb, "devote...to." We can't use the verb without "to." "spreading their brand" is a gerund (a kind of noun phrase). If you use "spread," we would be left with the awkward phrase "they'll devote the profit," as the "to" would belong to the regular verb. Basically it is the verb that is confusing. We say "devote (noun or noun phrase) to (noun or noun phrase).
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- Japonês
that is so understandable.
I didn't know the verb "devote" needs "to".
I'm clear now. thank you again.
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