Form of verbs after "a thing to do is"
I'm not sure that this is a right subject, however the question is what a form of verbs I should use when I say something like: "The first thing to do is {verb}". Should it be {to verb} or {verb+ing}:
1. The first thing to do is to go outside
2.The first thing to do is going outside

On the internet I found this example "the first thing you do every morning is brew the coffee, and the second thing is read the comics". Please advise, is it right (relative to verbs)?

Question

Form of verbs after "a thing to do is"
I'm not sure that this is a right subject, however the question is what a form of verbs I should use when I say something like: "The first thing to do is {verb}". Should it be {to verb} or {verb+ing}:
1. The first thing to do is to go outside
2.The first thing to do is going outside

On the internet I found this example "the first thing you do every morning is brew the coffee, and the second thing is read the comics". Please advise, is it right (relative to verbs)?

Answer

"go" is correct and most common. "to go" is acceptable but less common and more formal.  "going" is not right.

The rule is the same for all verbs.

Answer

Возможны оба варианта, смотря какой оттенок вы хотите придать действию, выраженному глаголом после "is".

Answers · 4

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