When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To approach (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to approach" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I plan to approach the situation with caution.
Approaching (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "approaching" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Approaching the problem with an open mind can lead to innovative solutions.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To approach (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To approach is the first step in solving a problem.
To approach is the first step in solving a problem.
- "*To approach*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the first step in solving a problem).
- 2Object
She wants me to approach the project from a different angle.
She wants me to approach the project from a different angle.
- "Me *to approach* the project from a different angle" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to approach* the project from a different angle).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a strategy to approach the problem effectively.
I need a strategy to approach the problem effectively.
- "*To approach* the problem effectively" modifies the noun "strategy."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a strategy *to approach* the problem effectively).
Approaching (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Approaching the situation cautiously is important.
Approaching the situation cautiously is important.
- "*Approaching* the situation cautiously" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (important).
- 2Object
I enjoy approaching challenges with enthusiasm.
I enjoy approaching challenges with enthusiasm.
- "*Approaching* challenges with enthusiasm" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*approaching* challenges with enthusiasm).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a talent for approaching difficult tasks.
She has a talent for approaching difficult tasks.
- "For *approaching* difficult tasks" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *approaching* difficult tasks).
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 approach the issue diplomatically.
He wants to approach the matter with caution.
They refused to approach the task without proper guidance.
She attempted to approach the problem from a different perspective.
He pretended to approach the situation calmly.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
They recommend approaching the problem systematically.
He avoids approaching sensitive topics in conversations.
Can you imagine yourself approaching strangers and starting a conversation?
We are considering approaching the issue from a different angle.
She resists approaching the problem with a negative mindset.
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to approach challenges head-on. She likes approaching challenges head-on.
We began to approach the project with a detailed plan. We began approaching the project with a detailed plan.
He continues to approach his work with dedication. He continues approaching his work with dedication.
