to solve/ to solving

[Mike12345]

1 The key to solve the problem is to meet the demand made by customers.
2 The key to solving the problem is to meet the demand made by customers.

I think the first one is correct. But someone said "to" can be a preposition, so the second one is right. I got confused. What's your opinion?

 

[GoesStation]

Re: to do to doing

The second is correct. In this sentence to is a preposition.

The to- infinitive is not natural after "the key". Other expressions would work; for example, you could say "The way to solve the problem is...."

 

[Mike12345]

Re: to do to doing

The second is correct. In this sentence to is a preposition.

The to- infinitive is not natural after "the key". Other expressions would work; for example, you could say "The way to solve the problem is...."

Thank you! But what is different between “The way to solve..”and “The key to solving”？ I think both “the way”and “the key” are nouns. Why is "the way" fllowed to do but “the key” followed doing？

 

[Rover_KE]

Re: to do to doing

Note that I've changed your thread title.

 

[GoesStation]

Re: to do to doing

I don't think a rule exists that answers your question. You just have to learn the natural usage.