Is this sentence right or wrong.

Machines are not causing to economize(to use less) energy and work.

I say its wrong, but our teacher in 3rd Middle school says it's right.

I think it should be:

machines are causing us to use less energy . As in physical energy

Tick

Maybe, but not use less... as in total energy consumed.

Machines are not causing to economize(to use less) energy and work.


"to economize energy and work" is a prepositional phrase. "energy" and "work" are the objects of the preposition.

"Machines are not causing" requires an direct object since "are causing" (or "cause") is a transitive verb.

cause - Definition from the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cause)

A prepositional phrase is a poor direct object. I don't think it can be a direct object at all, but I'm no expert in this.

I hate grammar, but I do agree that the sentence has something wrong with it. I'm not sure if he is looking for grammar or content.