Most of the time I see people use a gerund this way:
The storm caused delays in processing customer orders.
However, sometimes I see something like this too:
The storm caused delays in the processing of customer orders.
Are there any hard rules so we know when to use one way and not the other?
Thank you.
While I agree with the "subtlety" explanation there is also a not so "subtle" distinction. The first example states that the action occurred --- sort of a "in real-time' situation. The second example of usage is the way to state a condition (specific plan, situation, action, etc.) whether it has, is, or will occur. It is calling attention to the generic or collective nature of said action, in the same way as "going to the movies" can be information about your evening vs. "going to the movies" being a collective pastime.
