When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To attend (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to attend" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I plan to attend the conference next week.
Attending (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "attending" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Attending conferences is a great way to gain knowledge.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To attend (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To attend is a great opportunity for networking.
To attend is a great opportunity for networking.
- "*To attend*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a great opportunity for networking).
- 2Object
She wants me to attend the meeting.
She wants me to attend the meeting.
- "Me *to attend* the meeting" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to attend* the meeting).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a ticket to attend the concert.
I need a ticket to attend the concert.
- "*To attend* the concert" modifies the noun "ticket."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a ticket *to attend* the concert).
Attending (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Attending meetings is an important part of my job.
Attending meetings is an important part of my job.
- "*Attending* meetings" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an important part of my job).
- 2Object
I enjoy attending workshops and seminars.
I enjoy attending workshops and seminars.
- "*Attending* workshops and seminars" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*attending* workshops and seminars).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for attending music festivals.
She has a passion for attending music festivals.
- "For *attending* music festivals" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *attending* music festivals).
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
He plans to attend the workshop tomorrow.
They hope to attend the event in person.
She wants to attend the seminar on leadership.
We decided to attend the webinar this evening.
They agreed to attend the conference together.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He enjoys attending art exhibitions and galleries.
They recommend regular attending of industry conferences.
I dislike the idea of attending crowded parties.
She avoids attending social gatherings.
Can you imagine yourself attending a prestigious event?
