When we have three verbs in the same clause. And we need to decide whether use "ing" or "to" with the third one.
Should we choose based on the main verb (first one) or the second verb?
In the following example, arrange should follow with "to + infinitive" verb and discuss should follow by "ing" very. so should we use "to buy" or "buying"?
I have arranged to discuss to buy his house.
I have arranged to discuss buying his house.
Another example:
I never considered offering buying his car.
I never considered offering to buy his car.
Best Answer
With these catenative constructions, each verb 'selects' the form of its complement without regard to earlier verbs in the chain.
Discuss selects gerund-participle complements but not infinitival complements, and arranged selects infinitival complements but not gerund-participle complements; so you have to say:
Similarly, consider selects gerund-participle complements but not infinitival complements, and offer selects infinitival complements but not gerund-participle complements; so you have to say:
Note however that offer may take as object an 'uncontrolled' gerund-participle clause—a clause whose subject is not inferred from the head clause.