Quote:
Quote mesmark  1. His problem is always being late.
2. *His problem is always to be late.
1. His dream is to be a doctor.
2. *His dream is being a doctor.
What is the rule here that makes #2 wrong?
Does 'to verb' need to be a future event? And 'verb-ing' is a current event in that situation? |
This is a thinker....Okay...
"to be" indicates, in my opinion, a goal that is fulfilled once reached whereas -ing, as you stated, indicates a current situation. Therefore, number 2 of the second set indicates that he dreams of being a doctor and to be in the situation and experience all of the things associated with being a doctor. "To be" is only indicating to become a doctor and nothing more.
I wouldn't say there is a rule per se, but, that is the explanation I'd give. Don't know if it's good enough though.