When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To appear (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to appear" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to appear confident during my presentation.
Appearing (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "appearing" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Appearing confident can make a big difference.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To appear (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To appear is important in creating a good first impression.
To appear is important in creating a good first impression.
- "*To appear*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (important in creating a good first impression).
- 2Object
She wants me to appear at the event.
She wants me to appear at the event.
- "Me *to appear* at the event" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to appear* at the event).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a new outfit to appear professional.
I need a new outfit to appear professional.
- "*To appear* professional" modifies the noun "outfit."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a new outfit *to appear* professional).
Appearing (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Appearing confident is essential in job interviews.
Appearing confident is essential in job interviews.
- "*Appearing* confident" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (essential in job interviews).
- 2Object
I enjoy appearing on stage.
I enjoy appearing on stage.
- "*Appearing* on stage" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*appearing* on stage).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a talent for appearing in commercials.
She has a talent for appearing in commercials.
- "For *appearing* in commercials" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *appearing* in commercials).
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
We decided to appear on the show together.
They hope to appear in the magazine article.
He wants to appear in the movie.
She chose to appear in the play.
They pretended to appear interested in the conversation.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He enjoys appearing in movies and TV shows.
They recommend regular appearing in public speaking engagements.
She avoids appearing in large crowds.
Can you imagine yourself appearing on a talk show?
I don't mind appearing in front of a live audience.
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to appear confident in social situations. She likes appearing confident in social situations.
We started to appear more assertive. We started appearing more assertive.
He began to appear in commercials. He began appearing in commercials.
