to doing something (not in continuous present tense)
In school, I learnt three forms of verb:
1. The base form, to + Verb-infinitive
Example:I can do it
2. Verb1 + Verb2-ING
I need finding the answer
3. Verb1 + TO + Verb2-infinitive
I got to go home now.
However, sometimes I see people use
Verb1 + TO + Verb2-ING
So, Is there any rule for it?
What is it good for? (emphasize any idea, or any expression)
Please distinguish this case and case number 3 (or 2) I've written.
Thanks so much.
kay
New member
2 answers 
Generally English verbs have three forms: base form, past form, past participle form
Others count in the present participle and modal auxiliaries as well (see here for more)
Your examples above are not correct English ("I need finding the answer" "I got to go home")
"Verb1 + TO + Verb2-ing" - an example here that I can think of is "I look forward to seeing you at the conference"
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answered Jun 18 '11 at 20:09
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I've been struggling to explain this to my student also.
Your #2 example should be "I need to find an answer." or "I am finding the answer." I think the main verb ("need", "am, is, are") determines whether we use the infinitive (to find) or the participle (finding). Maybe an English teacher can help all of us with an explanation of this - I am still trying to find one. (Is it a case of transitive/intransitive verbs?) Another way we could construct this sentence would be to use the participle as an adjective, "I need help finding an answer." - here "finding" is used as an adjective modifying "help", if I understand this correctly.
#3 should be "I have to go home." - "got" is not correct English although it is often used by teenagers. We would also say "I am going home now," or "I must go home now."
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answered Mar 17 '12 at 19:29
Joan Quenan
New member
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