MISUSE OF THE INFINITIVE 03

Dialog

Right, you. Pay attention. We're going through some common mistakes. Don't go thinking this is easy, because it's not, especially for you.

Oh, okay. I'll try my best. I really want to understand it.

You'd better. Let's start with this one. Tell me if this sentence is correct: It's no use to cry like a baby.

It's no use to cry like a baby. Hmm. It sounds… mostly right? Like, you understand what it means. So, yes?

Mostly right isn't good enough, you absolute donut. It's actually wrong. When you use the phrase It's no use, you have to follow it with an -ing word, a gerund. So it should be: It's no use crying like a baby. Understand? It means there's no point in doing it. You wouldn't want to make that mistake, would you? Not when I'm trying to teach you.

Oh, I see! So it's 'crying', not 'to cry'. That makes sense now you explain it. Thank you.

Don't get too excited. Let's try another one. Is this sentence correct: It's no good getting angry at once.

It's no good getting angry at once. That one… that sounds right. 'Getting' is an -ing word. So, yes, it's correct.

Well, look at you, actually getting something right for once. Yes, it's correct. It works the same way as It's no use. After It's no good, you also use an -ing word. It's not rocket science, even if it seems like it to you sometimes.

I think I'm starting to get the hang of it now. Thanks to you.

Don't flatter yourself. Next up: Is this sentence correct: I look forward to see him soon.

I look forward to see him soon. That's a common one. Everyone says that, don't they? So, it must be correct.

Everyone says it, but everyone is often wrong, especially around here. It's not correct. This is a tricky one, but when you say look forward to, the 'to' here acts like a preposition, not part of an infinitive. So you always, always use an -ing word after it. It should be: I look forward to seeing him soon. Imagine if you were looking forward to seeing me! You'd want to say it right, wouldn't you?

Oh, I've heard that before, actually. I just forgot. So it's 'seeing'. That's a really important one to remember.

It is, for some people. Last one for now. Is this sentence correct: There's no harm in visiting him now.

There's no harm in visiting him now. That one has 'in' before the -ing word. So, 'visiting' must be right. I think it's correct!

Wow, you actually got that one. Yes, it's correct. You put 'in' before the -ing word after There's no harm. See? You're not entirely hopeless, even if you do need my brilliant help to get anywhere. Now, don't forget these, or I'll make you rewrite them a hundred times.

I won't forget. Thank you so much for teaching me. You're really good at it.

(Turns slightly away, a hint of a smile) Just... just try to remember them. It's not like I enjoy doing this, you know. Someone has to make sure you don't sound like a complete fool.

Summary

• 101. It's no use + -ing. Don't say: It's no use to cry like a baby. Say: It's no use crying like a baby.
• 102. It's no good + -ing. Don't say: It's no good to get angry at once. Say: It's no good getting angry at once.
• 103. Look forward to + -ing Don't say I look forward to see him soon. Say: I look forward to seeing him soon.
• 104. There is no harm in + -ing. Don't say: There's no harm to visit him now. Say: There's no harm in visiting him now.

Reference: T. J. FITIKIDES, "COMMON MISTAKES IN ENGLISH" p18 - p18