Difference between a noun + ~ing and a noun + to infinite
I am confused about the correct usage of verbs in ~ing or to + infinite forms and how differently they mean. For example,

The picture shows the researcher conducting the test.

versus

The picture shows the researcher to conduct the test.

To my best guess, the researcher in the former sentence is conducting the test (in the picture) while the one in the latter is about to conduct the test (The researcher is doing something else in the picture). Also, the latter seems rarely used, I guess.

Could anyone clarify the difference and correct me?
Thanks

Question

Difference between a noun  + ~ing and a noun + to infinite
I am confused about the correct usage of verbs in ~ing or to + infinite forms and how differently they mean. For example,

The picture shows the researcher conducting the test.

versus

The picture shows the researcher to conduct the test.

To my best guess, the researcher in the former sentence is conducting the test (in the picture) while the one in the latter is about to conduct the test (The researcher is doing something else in the picture). Also, the latter seems rarely used, I guess.

Could anyone clarify the difference and correct me?
Thanks

Answer

Hi.

In the first example, the test started in the past and is still happening now.  The -ing form, or the present continuous tense describes an action that began in the past, continues in the present, and may continue into the future.

The second example isn't quite right. If you wrote: "The picture shows the researcher about to conduct the test". This would mean the test HAS NOT started yet, but it will happen soon.

Hope that helps!

Answers · 1

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