A Generalisation and Caution In some academic writing it will be necessary simply to give and describe factual information. Often, however, it is necessary to make necessary to make general comments or to generalize the information. The generalizations can be made more precise by qualifying them.
1) True in most cases:
FORM
POINTS TO NOTE
·To tend (not) to DO…
·This is a very common pattern in both written and spoken styles.
·To have a tendency to DO …
·Mainly used about people, rather than things. More common in written style than in spoken style .
·To be inclined to DO…
·This is probably more often used to make critical comments.
2) Uncertain Generalisations:
CONCEPT
FORM
POINTS TO NOTE
I think but I’ m not sure
Seem: ®to DO… ®to be DOING…
The Simple Infinitive (to DO) is used to describe fixed habits, unchanging habits/ situations. The Continuous Infinitive (to be DOING) is used to describe changing habits/ situations.
Appear: ®to DO… ®to be DOING…
Perhaps
‘Perhaps’ can be placed at the beginning, middle, or end of or sentence.
A Generalisation and Caution
In some academic writing it will be necessary simply to give and describe factual information. Often, however, it is necessary to make necessary to make general comments or to generalize the information. The generalizations can be made more precise by qualifying them.
1) True in most cases:
· To tend (not) to DO…
· This is a very common pattern in both written and spoken styles.
· To have a tendency to DO
…
· Mainly used about people, rather than things. More common in written style than in spoken style
.
· To be inclined to DO…
· This is probably more often used to make critical comments.
2) Uncertain Generalisations:
®to DO…
®to be DOING…
(to DO) is used to describe fixed habits, unchanging habits/ situations.
The Continuous Infinitive (to be DOING) is used to describe changing habits/ situations.
Appear:
®to DO…
®to be DOING…