Why not use 'build'? ''This is the secret to building complex sentences.'' Thank you.
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Hi Esin, The reason "building" is used here instead of "build" is because of the verb tense. Adding -ing to the end of a verb changes it to the continuous (also known as progressive) tense. In English, the continuous verb tense is used to describe an action or event that is in progress. When giving instructions in English (like your example sentence), often the continuous tense is used because it implies that the person receiving the instructions is doing the action, and will continue to do the action (for example, you do not build a sentence one time, but you are continuously building sentences throughout the day). English verb tenses are quite complicated - there are 12 of them! If you'd like better understand these grammar points, I'd be happy to talk more.
Building is the present participle form of the word build which is functioning as gerund. It acts as a noun specifically in the object of preposition "to". Therefore to convey the intended meaning and follow English grammar, it is necessary to use the word "building" instead of "build". There are lots of circumstances about this, and if you're willing to learn. I would love to talk more about this.
- Robert PickacardRobert Pickacard Certified English Teacher / Professional Magician
Sorry I didn't read the question properly. In this case building is the present continuous tense and not a gerund. My bad!
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- Robert PickacardRobert Pickacard Certified English Teacher / Professional Magician
Build is a verb and building is a noun because of the "Ing." It's grammatical function is gerund where adding ing to the end of the verb makes it a noun. eg: to shop - verb shopping- gerund.
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