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 want to attend the conference to learn new skills.
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 network.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To attend (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To attend is a privilege for all the students.
To attend is a privilege for all the students.
- "*To attend*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a privilege for all the students).
- 2Object
She wants me to attend the meeting with her.
She wants me to attend the meeting with her.
- "Me *to attend* the meeting with her" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to attend* the meeting with her).
- 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 can be time-consuming.
Attending meetings can be time-consuming.
- "*Attending* meetings" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + adjective phrase (time-consuming).
- 2Object
I enjoy attending workshops to expand my knowledge.
I enjoy attending workshops to expand my knowledge.
- "*Attending* workshops to expand my knowledge" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*attending* workshops to expand my knowledge).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for attending live events.
She has a passion for attending live events.
- "For *attending* live events" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *attending* live events).
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 attend the workshop next month.
They hope to attend the seminar for professional development.
He wants to attend the lecture on entrepreneurship.
We decided to attend the webinar on digital marketing.
They agreed to attend the conference together.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys attending seminars on personal growth.
They recommend regular attending of industry conferences.
I dislike the idea of attending crowded parties.
He avoids attending meetings that are not relevant to his work.
Can you imagine yourself attending a prestigious awards ceremony?
