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What differences between two sentences below:

The solution for this problem is to use another type of mapping

and

The solution for this problem is using another type of mapping

And in general, what differences between using "to + inf" and "v-ing"?

1 Answer 1

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The second sentence is ambiguous.

Let's say there's a man who can solve all our problems, he's our 'perfect solution'. We want to use him for our project, but he's not available because he's using another type of mapping.

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    That's funny. :-) By the way, I had to read it three times before I can wrap my head around the fact that "The solution for this problem" is in fact a man in the alternate interpretation. Commented Feb 4, 2015 at 11:29
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    It's often used sarcastically. Imagine this conversation: "I bought a dog so we have the perfect defense against burglars!" "Yeah? Well your 'perfect defense' is sleeping by the fire, snoring."
    – Mark
    Commented Feb 4, 2015 at 11:30
  • @DamkerngT., it's like the motto "our business is working for you" - you can read it two ways. (0: You can construe is as a marker of progressive aspect. Commented Feb 4, 2015 at 11:42

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