"the best you can do is to stop doing" vs "the best you can do is stop doing"

Question

"the best you can do is to stop doing" vs "the best you can do is stop doing"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. The first phrase 'the best you can do is to stop doing' includes the infinitive marker 'to' before the verb 'stop,' which is more formal and emphasizes the action. The second phrase 'the best you can do is stop doing' omits the infinitive marker 'to' and is more commonly used in everyday speech.

Last Updated: April 03, 2024

This phrase is used when you want to emphasize the action that needs to be done. It is more formal and structured.

Alternatives:

the best you can do is to cease doing
the best you can do is to quit doing
the best you can do is to halt doing
the best you can do is to desist doing
the best you can do is to refrain from doing

This phrase is more commonly used in informal situations or everyday speech when stating the best course of action without emphasizing the action.

Alternatives:

the best you can do is to stop
the best you can do is to quit
the best you can do is to halt
the best you can do is to desist
the best you can do is to refrain

Answer 1

the best you can do is to stop doing

This phrase is correct but more formal. It emphasizes the action.

Answer 2

the best you can do is stop doing

This phrase is correct and commonly used in everyday speech.