I now look forward to applying the analytical, problem-solving nature I have cultivated since elementary school to solve the major problems faced by society.
Does this need to be replaced by to solving
asked Nov 19, 2016 at 22:03
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2Deletion of extraneous elements yields: "I look forward to applying the nature I have cultivated to solving the problems." The infinitive is incorrect here, and the gerund is better; but best would be the solution of, thus: "I look forward to applying the nature I have cultivated to the solution of the problems."– P. E. Dant Reinstate MonicaCommented Nov 19, 2016 at 22:41
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@P.E.Dant - This looks to me like a statement from a résumé. If so, the adjectives analytical and problem-solving might not be “extraneous” – not if that’s what the company is looking for in the position.– J.R. ♦Commented Nov 19, 2016 at 23:13
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1To be clear, by extraneous I mean not necessary to a grammatical analysis. Sometimes it is easier to parse a long sentence if we reduce it to its core elements. I thought this might be obvious.– P. E. Dant Reinstate MonicaCommented Nov 19, 2016 at 23:15
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@P.E.Dant - It’s obvious now. Thanks for clarifying. :-)– J.R. ♦Commented Nov 19, 2016 at 23:22
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1Don't worry. It's a very minor point, and hardly a soul would notice. But the sentence would be better, and would "read" better (to me, at least) either with to the solution of the problems (which provides a NP) or with employing in place of applying. I think the one with employing is best.– P. E. Dant Reinstate MonicaCommented Nov 20, 2016 at 4:19
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1 Answer
Your original sentence is correct.
to applying something to solve something
I now look forward to applying the analytical, problem-solving nature I have cultivated since elementary school to solve the major problems faced by society.
Alternatively, you might say
to use something for something
I now look forward to using the analytical, problem-solving nature I have cultivated since elementary school for solving the major problems faced by society
or possibly you want
to apply something to something
I now look forward to applying the analytical, problem-solving nature I have cultivated since elementary school to the major problems faced by society.
"solving" the ills of society is implicit in the last sentence.
to applying something to solving something
is awkward in its expression.
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The transitive apply requires a NP as an indirect object here. It can be headed by the gerund solving or the solution (for instance), but not by the infinitive to solve. Commented Nov 20, 2016 at 3:04