When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To assist (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to assist" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to assist in the project to contribute my skills.
Assisting (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "assisting" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Assisting others is a fulfilling experience.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To assist (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To assist is a great way to support others.
To assist is a great way to support others.
- "*To assist*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a great way to support others).
- 2Object
She wants me to assist her with the presentation.
She wants me to assist her with the presentation.
- "Me *to assist* her with the presentation" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to assist* her with the presentation).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a guide to assist me in the process.
I need a guide to assist me in the process.
- "*To assist* me in the process" modifies the noun "guide."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a guide *to assist* me in the process).
Assisting (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Assisting is a valuable skill in the workplace.
Assisting is a valuable skill in the workplace.
- "*Assisting*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a valuable skill in the workplace).
- 2Object
I enjoy assisting my colleagues with their tasks.
I enjoy assisting my colleagues with their tasks.
- "*Assisting* my colleagues with their tasks" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*assisting* my colleagues with their tasks).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for assisting those in need.
She has a passion for assisting those in need.
- "For *assisting* those in need" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *assisting* those in need).
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
She plans to assist in the event tomorrow.
They hope to assist with the charity work during their vacation.
He wants to assist in the community garden.
We decided to assist at the shelter this weekend.
They agreed to assist in the project together.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys assisting in community service every weekend.
They recommend regular assisting for personal growth.
I dislike the idea of assisting in tedious tasks.
He avoids assisting in high-pressure situations.
Can you imagine yourself assisting in a medical emergency?
