correct verb

search

Thanks.

I believe it was Roberta or Noddy who mentioned on another thread the use of parallel construction. Lie and search are both verbs. Searching is a verbal, a verb form used as something other than a verb. In this case it is a gerund which is a verb used as a noun.

A sentence using parallel gerunds would be- "They prefer lying in wait for their prey rather than searching for it."

It was I, flyboy. Although the situation is different, parallel construction works here too.

Hi Roberta

I would like the know, based on what you said above, whether both constructions are correct. Thanks.

They lie in wait for their prey rather than search for it.

They lie in wait for their prey rather than searching for it

I'm not 100 percent sure. I prefer the parallel construction, but I'm not certain whether the other way is wrong.

Contrex would know. Where is he?

Contrex, please help me. Thanks.

They lie in wait for their prey rather than search for it.

They lie in wait for their prey rather than searching for it.


The first sentence is correct - the verb tenses are the same.

The second sentence would be correct if it were written:

They lie in wait for their pray rather than go searching for it.