When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To admire (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to admire" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I admire her talent and dedication.
Admiring (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "admiring" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Admiring nature can bring a sense of peace and wonder.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To admire (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To admire is a common human emotion.
To admire is a common human emotion.
- "*To admire*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a common human emotion).
- 2Object
She wants me to admire her artwork.
She wants me to admire her artwork.
- "Me *to admire* her artwork" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to admire* her artwork).
- 3Adjective Modifier
He needs a role model to admire.
He needs a role model to admire.
- "*To admire*" modifies the noun "role model."
- Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a role model *to admire*).
Admiring (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Admiring art is a popular pastime.
Admiring art is a popular pastime.
- "*Admiring*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a popular pastime).
- 2Object
I enjoy admiring the architecture of old buildings.
I enjoy admiring the architecture of old buildings.
- "*Admiring* the architecture of old buildings" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*admiring* the architecture of old buildings).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for admiring beautiful sunsets.
She has a passion for admiring beautiful sunsets.
- "For *admiring* beautiful sunsets" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *admiring* beautiful sunsets).
Verbs Taking Infinitives/Gerunds as Objects
The following are verbs that can take only the base form of the verb (infinitive), only the -ing form (gerund), or both.Verbs Taking Infinitives as Objects
Example
They hope to admire her performance at the concert.
We decided to admire the sunset from the beach.
He attempted to admire the artwork without touching it.
She chose to admire the painting from a distance.
I wish to admire her achievements in person.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He enjoys admiring works of art at museums.
They avoid admiring themselves in the mirror.
I recommend admiring the scenery on the hike.
She is considering admiring the sunset from the rooftop.
Do you mind admiring the view from here?
