When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To attempt (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to attempt" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to attempt the challenging obstacle course.
Attempting (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "attempting" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Attempting the new recipe was a fun challenge.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To attempt (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To attempt is a brave decision.
To attempt is a brave decision.
- "*To attempt*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (a brave decision).
- 2Object
She wants me to attempt the difficult task.
She wants me to attempt the difficult task.
- "Me *to attempt* the difficult task" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to attempt* the difficult task).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a strategy to attempt the challenge.
I need a strategy to attempt the challenge.
- "*To attempt* the challenge" modifies the noun "strategy."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a strategy *to attempt* the challenge).
Attempting (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Attempting requires determination and focus.
Attempting requires determination and focus.
- "*Attempting*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (determination and focus).
- 2Object
I enjoy attempting different sports.
I enjoy attempting different sports.
- "*Attempting* different sports" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*attempting* different sports).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a talent for attempting challenging tasks.
She has a talent for attempting challenging tasks.
- "For *attempting* challenging tasks" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *attempting* challenging 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
She plans to attempt the world record next month.
They hope to attempt the daring feat one day.
He wants to attempt the impossible task.
We decided to attempt the risky adventure together.
They agreed to attempt the difficult mission as a team.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys attempting puzzles and riddles.
They recommend regular attempting of new skills for personal growth.
I dislike the idea of attempting extreme sports.
He avoids attempting dangerous stunts.
Can you imagine yourself attempting a daring escape?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to attempt difficult challenges. She likes attempting difficult challenges.
We started to attempt the advanced level. We started attempting the advanced level.
He began to attempt the challenging task. He began attempting the challenging task.
