When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To apply (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to apply" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to apply for the job to further my career.
Applying (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "applying" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Applying is the first step in the application process.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To apply (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To apply is the first step in the application process.
To apply is the first step in the application process.
- "*To apply*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the first step in the application process).
- 2Object
She wants me to apply for the scholarship.
She wants me to apply for the scholarship.
- "Me *to apply* for the scholarship" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to apply* for the scholarship).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a pen to apply the paint.
I need a pen to apply the paint.
- "*To apply* the paint" modifies the noun "pen."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a pen *to apply* the paint).
Applying (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Applying early increases your chances of acceptance.
Applying early increases your chances of acceptance.
- "*Applying* early" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (increases) + noun phrase (your chances of acceptance).
- 2Object
I enjoy applying my knowledge to real-world problems.
I enjoy applying my knowledge to real-world problems.
- "*Applying* my knowledge to real-world problems" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*applying* my knowledge to real-world problems).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for applying new technologies.
She has a passion for applying new technologies.
- "For *applying* new technologies" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *applying* new technologies).
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 decided to apply for the position at the company.
They hope to apply for the program next year.
She wants to apply for the internship opportunity.
We chose to apply for the grant funding.
They planned to apply for the scholarship.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
They recommend applying early for better chances of acceptance.
He avoids applying for jobs that don't align with his interests.
I am considering applying for a higher position within the company.
Do you mind applying for the grant on behalf of our team?
Can you imagine yourself applying your skills in a different industry?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to apply her makeup in the morning. She likes applying makeup in the morning.
We started to apply for colleges. We started applying for colleges.
He began to apply for jobs after graduating. He began applying for jobs after graduating.
