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Commit to + inf vs + -ing

English Language & Usage Asked by ALife on March 15, 2021

I thought "commit to" should be followed by "-ing", but the following article uses infinitive form of verb, as in the following sentence:

"Under its contract with Pfizer, the Trump administration committed to buy an initial 100 million doses, with an option to purchase as many as five times more."

Does this occasion have a reason for such use, or it’s simply a typo?

One Answer

Traditionally one commits to a person or thing. That is, one commits to a noun.

commit verb (PROMISE) C2 [ I or T ] to promise or give your loyalty, time, or money to a particular principle, person, or plan of action:

Like so many men, he has problems committing himself to a relationship.
The government must commit itself to improving healthcare. Once we have committed to this course of action there is no going back.

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/commit

A gerund acts as a noun equivalent, so we can say, "He commits to VERBing"

In its traditional form, we don't commit infinitive.

Answer

I see "commit to buy" as an error. However English is always evolving so it may become standard in the future.


EDIT

See the comments below. The phrase appears to be standard in the world of commerce.

Correct answer by chasly - supports Monica on March 15, 2021

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