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As an objective (or subjective). "Being a teacher" vs "to be a teacher". What is the difference between gerund and 'to' + verb root ?

My dream is being a teacher.
My dream is to be a teacher.

Matt E. Эллен
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moohyun lee
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1 Answers1

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These are possible structures: Gerund is generally used to refer to reality or a fact, but infinitive is used for wishes, possibilities, dreams and abstract ideas.

  1. My dream is to become a teacher.
  2. To become a teacher is my dream.
  3. Becoming a teacher is my dream.(less common)

However, your sentence "My dream is being a teacher" is less common.

Mani
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    @Rathony- I mean gerund is commonly used for referring to reality or an actual experience. – Mani Feb 29 '16 at 09:37
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    I wouldn't worry too much about about usage differences here, unless you're being really picky. I think there are very few people who would make a distinction between the two. If you're already a teacher, however, "my dream is to be a teacher" could be awkward, as it sort of implies that you're not a teacher yet. "My dream is being a teacher" can be used regardless of whether you're already a teacher or not, though (although personally, I'd only use it if I was already a teacher; that's just my personal preference). – David McKnight Feb 29 '16 at 09:38
  • @Rathony- "Driving his own car costs a lost of money." This is a fact that he has a car, and this is a fact he should pay a lot of money for his gasoline. However, in "To drive his own car is his great dream." it is just a dream to have a car. – Mani Feb 29 '16 at 10:12
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    @Mani so are you saying that "to drive his own car costs a lot of money," does not refer to a "reality or an actual experience?" – Jascol Apr 29 '16 at 12:12