Expression "pointless to try to make"

[Avelone]

English Grammar Error, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #5 "Talk about it later", question 4

I'm quite decided on what action I'm going to take so it's pointless trying to make me adapt my mind.

(a) decided on
(b) going to
(c) trying to
(d) adapt

English Grammar Error, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #5 "Talk about it later", answer 4

I'm quite decided on what action I'm going to take so it's pointless trying to make me change my mind.

Correct entry: change
The error was: (d) adapt

You have not found the error.
I'm quite decided on what action I'm going to take so it's pointless to try to make me adapt my mind.
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can you explain me? why can't i answer "pointless to try to make" because pointless is adjective?

Avelone

[Lost_Soul]

Hi, Avelone

First I'd like to correct you a little bit

[Yankee]

Hi Avelone

You can also say "pointless to try to" in that sentence. Saying "pointless trying to" is not wrong, so that is not the error in the sentence.

The error in usage is "adapt". The correct answer is 'change'.
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"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Lost_Soul]

Hi, Yankee

Does the usage of "trying" in this case suggest some kind of "continuousness" of the action
(as opposed to to try which suggests a single action, one attempt)?

[Yankee]

Hi LS

I'd say that would be a reasonable way to describe the difference. :D
.
_________________
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln