When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To appreciate (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to appreciate" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I appreciate your help in this matter.
Appreciating (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "appreciating" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Appreciating nature brings peace and tranquility.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To appreciate (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To appreciate art is to understand its beauty.
To appreciate art is to understand its beauty.
- "*To appreciate* art" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (to appreciate art).
- 2Object
She wants me to appreciate her hard work.
She wants me to appreciate her hard work.
- "Me *to appreciate* her hard work" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to appreciate* her hard work).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a moment to appreciate the sunset.
I need a moment to appreciate the sunset.
- "*To appreciate* the sunset" modifies the noun "moment."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a moment *to appreciate* the sunset).
Appreciating (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Appreciating music can improve your mood.
Appreciating music can improve your mood.
- "*Appreciating* music" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (can improve) + noun phrase (your mood).
- 2Object
I enjoy appreciating art at museums.
I enjoy appreciating art at museums.
- "*Appreciating* art at museums" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*appreciating* art at museums).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for appreciating different cultures.
She has a passion for appreciating different cultures.
- "For *appreciating* different cultures" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *appreciating* different cultures).
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
I would like to appreciate the opportunity to work on this project.
We hope to appreciate the beauty of nature during our trip.
He wants to appreciate the value of hard work.
They decided to appreciate the small things in life.
She agreed to appreciate the importance of family.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He enjoys appreciating the beauty of nature in the mountains.
They recommend appreciating the little moments in life.
I dislike the idea of appreciating modern art.
She avoids appreciating material possessions.
Can you imagine yourself appreciating the simple joys of life?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
I would like to appreciate your efforts. I would like appreciating your efforts.
We started to appreciate the beauty of nature. We started appreciating the beauty of nature.
He began to appreciate the importance of family. He began appreciating the importance of family.
