What is the difference between "can be used for prediction of user behaviour" and "can be used for predicting user behaviour"?
I like the second version more since it's shorter and without a postposition but what is the difference in the meaning between these two phrases if any?
*for prediction of user behavior
is just what it is: even though it seems logical, it is an awkward construct, not used by native speakers, and that is caused by the lack of "the" in front or "prediction."
See e.g. at Google Books (not vanilla Books)
for prediction of user behavior About 1 results
which is written by a non-native speaker.
"for the prediction of user behavior" 10 results
is definitely better, but the best is:
"for predicting user behavior" About 55 results
I have a prolix friend whom I proofread, and I ask him to imagine he is going to be billed per word by the Customs and Excess. "For predicting" pays less tax than "for the prediction of".
