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 need to apply for a job to start 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 early gives you a better chance of being accepted.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To apply (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To apply is an important step in the job search process.
To apply is an important step in the job search process.
- "*To apply*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an important step in the job search 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 computer to apply online.
I need a computer to apply online.
- "*To apply* online" modifies the noun "computer."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a computer *to apply* online).
Applying (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Applying for jobs can be a stressful process.
Applying for jobs can be a stressful process.
- "*Applying* for jobs" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + noun phrase (a stressful process).
- 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 talent for applying makeup.
She has a talent for applying makeup.
- "For *applying* makeup" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *applying* makeup).
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 grant to fund their project.
She wants to apply for the internship at the organization.
We plan to apply for the program next year.
He attempted to apply for the scholarship, but he didn't meet the requirements.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
They recommend applying sunscreen before going outside.
He avoids applying for jobs that don't align with his interests.
I am considering applying for a master's degree in business administration.
Do you mind applying for the position on my behalf?
She postponed applying for the scholarship until next year.
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to apply her skills in practical situations. She likes applying her skills in practical situations.
We started to apply for colleges. We started applying for colleges.
He began to apply for internships. He began applying for internships.
