Have Problems Doing vs. Have Problems To Do
Cambridge Grammar Today states that when problem is followed by a verb, the verb is in the -ing form, and gives have problems doing something rather than have problems to do something. This guidance concerns problem meaning difficulty with an activity; a noun phrase such as problems to solve has different syntax and should not be collapsed into this complement choice.
Use have a problem/problems + -ing when the verb names what is difficult.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| the following activity is what is difficult or problematic | have a problem/problems + -ing | Use the -ing form after “problem(s)” for this pattern. |
| a noun phrase names the problem instead | have a problem/problems + noun/with phrase | Use the complement required by that separate construction. |
| proposed equivalent with a to-infinitive | have problems to do | Do not treat it as the standard equivalent of the -ing pattern. |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Does the following verb name what the person has difficulty doing?
If yes: Use “have a problem/problems” plus -ing.
If no: Use the complement required by the different meaning or structure.
Caveat: The guide is limited to the pattern where the following verb names the problematic activity.
Examples
We had problems connecting to the server.
The -ing form names the difficult activity.
She has a problem remembering names.
The activity causing difficulty follows as -ing.
They have a problem with the schedule.
A “with” phrase is a different supported structure.
Further guidance
Boundary
This guidance concerns problem meaning difficulty with an activity; a noun phrase such as problems to solve has different syntax and should not be collapsed into this complement choice.
Construction
Cambridge Grammar Today states that when problem is followed by a verb, the verb is in the -ing form, and gives have problems doing something rather than have problems to do something.
Decision
Use have a problem/problems + -ing when the verb names what is difficult.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Word patterns: problem (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press & Assessment · Preferred Cambridge grammar authority directly documenting have problems doing something and rejecting have problems to do something for that pattern.