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To Attach vs Attaching Infinitives & Gerunds

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Infinitives: An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by the word "to" (e.g., to swim, to eat, to learn). It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence. Infinitives are often used to express intentions, purposes, desires, or potential actions. Gerunds: A gerund is the -ing form of a verb (e.g., swimming, eating, learning). It’s different from a “present participle” which functions as a verb tense. A gerund can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To attach (Infinitive)

Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to attach" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action

Example

I need to attach the files to the email.

Attaching (Gerund)

Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "attaching" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.

Example

Attaching the files is a simple process.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To attach (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To attach the documents is your responsibility.

    To attach the documents is your responsibility.

    • "*To attach* the documents" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (your responsibility).
  • 2Object

    She asked me to attach the file to the report.

    She asked me to attach the file to the report.

    • "Me *to attach* the file to the report" is the object of the verb "asked."
    • Noun (She) + verb (asked) + noun phrase (me *to attach* the file to the report).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    He needs a paperclip to attach the papers together.

    He needs a paperclip to attach the papers together.

    • "*To attach* the papers together" modifies the noun "paperclip."
    • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a paperclip *to attach* the papers together).

Attaching (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Attaching the documents requires attention to detail.

    Attaching the documents requires attention to detail.

    • "*Attaching* the documents" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (attention to detail).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy attaching photos to my blog posts.

    I enjoy attaching photos to my blog posts.

    • "*Attaching* photos to my blog posts" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*attaching* photos to my blog posts).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for attaching things together.

    She has a talent for attaching things together.

    • "For *attaching* things together" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *attaching* things together).

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 attach the photos to the presentation.

They hope to attach the document before the deadline.

He wants to attach the receipt to the expense report.

We decided to attach the files to the application.

They agreed to attach the appendix to the report.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys attaching files to emails.

They recommend attaching supporting documents to the application.

I dislike the task of attaching labels to products.

He avoids attaching unnecessary files to the folder.

Can you imagine yourself attaching a photo to a message?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to attach sticky notes to her computer screen. She likes attaching sticky notes to her computer screen.

We started to attach the pieces together. We started attaching the pieces together.

He began to attach the cables to the device. He began attaching the cables to the device.

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