What to use after the verb "be"?
Hello,
Actually, I'm having difficulties telling the difference between these sentences.
1. The only thing she can do is buying the card.
2. The only thing you should've done was buy the card.
3. The only thing you are supposed to do is to buy a card.
How are they different? And before that, Are they all okay?
Thank you!

Question

What to use after the verb "be"?
Hello, 
Actually, I'm having difficulties telling the difference between these sentences.
1. The only thing she can do is buying the card.
2. The only thing you should've done was buy the card.
3. The only thing you are supposed to do is to buy a card.
How are they different? And before that, Are they all okay? 
Thank you!

Answer

1. is not gramatically correct.  2 and 3 are grammatically correct.  Main difference between 2 and 3, is that should've is past tense, and supposed to, is future tense.

2 is talking about an event that has not happened and 3 is talking about an event that is in the future.

Answer

Hello
(1) Should be: The only thing she can do IS BUY the card.

You can actually use exactly the same structure for (2) and (3)

2. The only thing you should've done IS buy the card

3. The only thing you are supposed to do IS buy the card.

As Chad said, the distinction between (2) and (3) is that (2) is refering to a past even that has happened (not buying the card), (3) is in the present tense and the event of the card-buying has not yet occured.

(1) Is different because the verb 'Can' expresses ability whereas 'Should' and 'Supposed' express the idea that it is right to do something.

Answers · 3

Still haven’t found your answers?

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn a language from the comfort of your own home. Browse our selection of experienced language tutors and enroll in your first lesson now!