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
She promised to appear at the event.
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 positive impression.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To appear (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To appear is important for making a good first impression.
To appear is important for making a good first impression.
- "*To appear*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (important for making a good first impression).
- 2Object
They want him to appear in their music video.
They want him to appear in their music video.
- "Him *to appear* in their music video" is the object of the verb "want."
- Noun (They) + verb (want) + noun phrase (him *to appear* in their music video).
- 3Adjective Modifier
We need a professional photographer to appear at the event.
We need a professional photographer to appear at the event.
- "*To appear* at the event" modifies the noun "photographer."
- Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a professional photographer *to appear* at the event).
Appearing (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Appearing confident is essential for job interviews.
Appearing confident is essential for job interviews.
- "*Appearing* confident" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (essential for job interviews).
- 2Object
I enjoy appearing in school plays.
I enjoy appearing in school plays.
- "*Appearing* in school plays" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*appearing* in school plays).
- 3Object of Preposition
He has a fear of appearing foolish.
He has a fear of appearing foolish.
- "Of *appearing* foolish" is the object of the preposition "of."
- Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *appearing* foolish).
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
He plans to appear on the TV show next week.
We decided to appear in the play together.
She hopes to appear in the movie.
They want to appear in the talent show.
We agreed to appear at the conference.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She avoids appearing in public events.
They recommend appearing confident during job interviews.
Do you mind appearing in the group photo?
I am considering appearing on a reality TV show.
Can you imagine yourself appearing on stage?
