When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To balter (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to balter" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to balter at the dance party tonight.
Baltering (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "baltering" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Baltering requires coordination and rhythm.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To balter (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To balter is a unique dance style.
To balter is a unique dance style.
- "*To balter*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a unique dance style).
- 2Object
She wants me to balter with her on the stage.
She wants me to balter with her on the stage.
- "Me *to balter* with her on the stage" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to balter* with her on the stage).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a partner to balter with at the ballroom competition.
I need a partner to balter with at the ballroom competition.
- "*To balter* with at the ballroom competition" modifies the noun "partner."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a partner *to balter* with at the ballroom competition).
Baltering (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Baltering is a joyful expression of movement.
Baltering is a joyful expression of movement.
- "*Baltering*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a joyful expression of movement).
- 2Object
I enjoy baltering at social gatherings.
I enjoy baltering at social gatherings.
- "*Baltering* at social gatherings" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*baltering* at social gatherings).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for baltering to different music styles.
She has a passion for baltering to different music styles.
- "For *baltering* to different music styles" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *baltering* to different music styles).
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
They plan to balter together at the dance studio tomorrow.
We hope to balter to our favorite song at the wedding reception.
He wants to balter in the spotlight.
She decided to balter instead of doing traditional dances.
They agreed to balter as their signature dance move.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He enjoys baltering with his friends at dance parties.
They recommend regular baltering for improved coordination and fitness.
She dislikes the idea of baltering in public.
I avoid baltering in crowded spaces.
Can you imagine yourself baltering in front of a large audience?
