When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To arrive (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to arrive" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to arrive at the party on time.
Arriving (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "arriving" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Arriving early gives you a chance to prepare.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To arrive (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To arrive early is a sign of punctuality.
To arrive early is a sign of punctuality.
- "*To arrive* early" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a sign of punctuality).
- 2Object
She wants me to arrive before her.
She wants me to arrive before her.
- "Me *to arrive* before her" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to arrive* before her).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a reliable transportation to arrive on time.
I need a reliable transportation to arrive on time.
- "*To arrive* on time" modifies the noun "transportation."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a reliable transportation *to arrive* on time).
Arriving (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Arriving late is considered impolite.
Arriving late is considered impolite.
- "*Arriving* late" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adjective (impolite).
- 2Object
I enjoy arriving at the destination.
I enjoy arriving at the destination.
- "*Arriving* at the destination" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*arriving* at the destination).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a fear of arriving late.
She has a fear of arriving late.
- "Of *arriving* late" is the object of the preposition "of."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *arriving* late).
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
They plan to arrive at the hotel early tomorrow morning.
I hope to arrive at the airport before the flight departs.
He wants to arrive in style for the event.
We decided to arrive by train instead of driving.
They agreed to arrive together at the party.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He enjoys arriving early to avoid the rush.
They recommend arriving at least 15 minutes before the meeting.
I dislike the feeling of arriving unprepared.
She avoids arriving at crowded places.
Can you imagine yourself arriving in a private jet?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to arrive at the destination with plenty of time. She likes arriving at the destination with plenty of time.
We started to arrive early for our morning meetings. We started arriving early for our morning meetings.
He began to arrive at work before everyone else. He began arriving at work before everyone else.
