Way of / way to

Way of / way to
Message from again57 posted on 13-10-2013 at 17:25:03 (D | E | F)
Hello everyone,

Please, could you explain the difference between way of and way to?
I know there is a difference, but I don't remember which one. For instance, if you write: "It's a way of thinking" and "it's a way to think", I know the meaning is not exactly the same, but what's the difference?
Thank you for your help.

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Edited by lucile83 on 13-10-2013 18:19

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Re: Way of / way to from angel7, posted on 14-10-2013 at 17:55:12 (D | E)
Hello,
I used to read "way of thinking" which refers to a habit of thinking. In this same way, we find "way of life" way of dressing" and the like. Concerning "way to think" perhaps the two sentences have the same meaning, but I personnally believe it refers to specific manner to think for a specific circumstance. It's my view point.
Take care.

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Edited by angel7 on 14-10-2013 18:28

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Re: Way of / way to from simplicius, posted on 14-10-2013 at 19:15:42 (D | E)
Hello,

Here are two examples to illustrate what angel just said :
"I'm looking for a way to sum up nicely what we just said". (I have this complicated stuff to sum up, I'm looking for an idea for this occasion).
"I wish Peter were here, he has a way of summing things up nicely" (it's a characteristic of his, an ability, something he does often, a knack he has).
Probably you could use "a way of summing up" in the first sentence, without changing the meaning significantly; but if the two sentences are side by side, it makes sense to use the to + inf construction in the 1st, and the of + -ing construction in the 2nd for a contrastive effect.
Cheers, S.

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Re: Way of / way to from violet91, posted on 14-10-2013 at 22:18:43 (D | E)
Hello ,

I also understand what Simplicius suggests .The two sentences linked together
"I'm looking for a way to sum up nicely what we just said. I wish Peter were here, he has a way of summing things up nicely"
1 ) an aim : in order to .
2 ) Peter is a champion at summing up ; I wish he were here to help me with his own way ...That is the field he is the best in .

My two pence worth.

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