2

Would you mind to explain *to me* why didn't show up last night?

If I correct above sentence like the sentences below, I 'm not sure which one is okay.

Would you mind explaining *to me* why didn't show up last night?

Would you mind explaining *me* why didn't show up last night?

Kindly help, thank you so much!

Improve this question
1
  • In this case, the reason you didn't show up last night is the direct object. (Why you didn't show up last night is an informal way of saying the reason that you didn't show up lsat night.) Therefore, "me" is an indirect object. So, "would you mind explaining the reason to me" probably sounds clearer to you.
    – BobRodes
    Commented Jan 30, 2014 at 20:46

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
7

"Mind" is followed by an "-ing" form when it is followed by a verb. This is a strict rule. So we must proceed like this:

Would you mind having...?

"Explain" works like this: explain something to somebody.

Can you explain the rules to me?

Now we have to combine the two rules, remembering "mind" needs a verb in present participle, and "explain" needs "to + person":

Would you mind explaining to me why you didn't show up last night?

Is the winner. The way we link verbs to other verbs, or use them with objects is commonly called Verb Patterns). Take a look at the basic article linked before which summarises the different types.

Improve this answer
7
  • +1 for the Verb Pattern link. This is so useful. I always wanted it!
    – Maulik V
    Commented Jan 30, 2014 at 11:16
  • No worries. I'm sure there are plenty more on the Internet. FYI: There are 5 Verb Patterns. I recommend learning 5 (common) verbs for each pattern to get you used to using them.
    – JMB
    Commented Jan 30, 2014 at 11:23
  • Indeed. Consider it done. I'm sincere ;)
    – Maulik V
    Commented Jan 30, 2014 at 11:39
  • Got stuck! The verb 'think' takes Verb + preposition + verb +ing as its pattern. What about I'm thinking to propose her this Valentines Day.; I'm thinking to bring him here tonight sounds better than I'm thinking to proposing... or I'm thinking to bringing ....
    – Maulik V
    Commented Jan 30, 2014 at 12:01
  • 1
    No! "Think to + verb" is a very rare construction! The most common form for "think" is "think of doing" or "think about doing". Read up on the difference between "of" and "about" for the finer points. Example 1 should be: I'm thinking of proposing to her this Valentine's Day."
    – JMB
    Commented Jan 30, 2014 at 14:32

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .