"noun + of + gerund" vs "noun + to + bare infinitive verb".

[nessie]

Hi, please help me with this:

1/ Hi, I have some problems with "noun + of + gerund" and "noun + to + bare infinitive verb".
Please have a look at these sentences:
She has the ability of doing that
children have a tendency to play down difficulties
they have a determination of overcoming problems

=> which of these above sentences correct? and how can we distinguish when to use "noun + of + gerund" and "noun + to + bare infinitive"?

2/ Shall I give the cat a slice of meet? - It's better...
a. not to
b. to not
c. not give
d. not to give
=> which answer is more suitable? a or d?
_________________
... something we never have again, I know... I guess I really really know..

Sorry seems to be the hardest word...

[Yankee]

Hi Nessie

1. To me, only your second sentence is correct. This is the way I might word your sentences:
- She has the ability to do that.
- Children have a tendency to play down difficulties.
- They have the determination to overcome problems.

2. To me, only a. not to is possible.
.
_________________
Amy
.
ESL teacher, translator, and a native speaker of American English

[nessie]

I still remember seeing the usage of "noun + of + V_ing" . Could you please give me some examples?

[Yankee]

.
Here are some examples, Nessie:

- He has a history of losing his cool.

- That kind of dancing is the most enjoyable.

- The advantages of having a university degree are clear to most people.

- How did Federal Express solve the problem of processing all of its packages overnight?

- There is a risk of being reprimanded if you voice an opinion.
.
_________________
Amy
.
ESL teacher, translator, and a native speaker of American English

[daemon99]

[Yankee]

.
Let's just say that sort of thing happens "some times" -- if you catch my drift.
.
_________________
Amy
.
ESL teacher, translator, and a native speaker of American English

[nessie]

Thanks a lot, Amy, but it seems I haven't caught the point of when to use "N + to V" and "N + of + gerund"

And how about this:

We have the responsibility of taking care of them

[Yankee]

.
You could say that, Nessie. However, it would be more common to say it this way:
"We are responsible for taking care of them."
.
_________________
Amy
.
ESL teacher, translator, and a native speaker of American English

[Inga]

We just learn nouns by heart (which are followed by to-infinitive or by -ing forms).
a. not to (still not sure)