The Common Mistake: "Need to" followed by a verb ending in "ing" (VBG) instead of a base form verb (VB).

One common mistake that many people make in English grammar is using "need to" followed by a verb ending in "ing" (VBG) instead of a base form verb (VB). This error is often made by non-native speakers or those who are still learning the language.

What is the difference between "VB" and "VBG"?

Before we delve into the mistake, let's clarify the difference between a base form verb (VB) and a verb ending in "ing" (VBG).

A base form verb (VB) is the simplest form of a verb, such as "eat," "run," or "sleep." It is the verb form that is used in the present simple tense (e.g., "I eat," "She runs," "They sleep").

A verb ending in "ing" (VBG) is a verb form that ends in "-ing," such as "eating," "running," or "sleeping." It is used in present continuous tense (e.g., "I am eating," "She is running," "They are sleeping").

The Mistake:

The mistake occurs when someone uses "need to" followed by a verb ending in "ing" (VBG) instead of a base form verb (VB).

Examples of the mistake:

• Incorrect: I need to going to the supermarket.
• Correct: I need to go to the supermarket.

• Incorrect: She needs to talking to her boss about her promotion.
• Correct: She needs to talk to her boss about her promotion.

• Incorrect: They need to studying for the exam.
• Correct: They need to study for the exam.

Why is it wrong?

Using "need to" followed by a verb ending in "ing" (VBG) is grammatically incorrect because "need" is already a modal verb that is followed by a base form verb (VB).

Corrected sentences:

• Incorrect: I need to going to the supermarket.
• Correct: I need to go to the supermarket.

• Incorrect: She needs to talking to her boss about her promotion.
• Correct: She needs to talk to her boss about her promotion.

• Incorrect: They need to studying for the exam.
• Correct: They need to study for the exam.

Using Linguix Grammar Checker

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