When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To bask (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to bask" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to bask in the sun all day.
Basking (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "basking" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Basking in the sun is so relaxing.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To bask (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To bask in the warm sunlight is a pure delight.
To bask in the warm sunlight is a pure delight.
- "*To bask* in the warm sunlight" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a pure delight).
- 2Object
She wants me to bask in her achievements.
She wants me to bask in her achievements.
- "Me *to bask* in her achievements" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to bask* in her achievements).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a comfortable chair to bask in the afternoon sun.
I need a comfortable chair to bask in the afternoon sun.
- "*To bask* in the afternoon sun" modifies the noun "chair."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a comfortable chair *to bask* in the afternoon sun).
Basking (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Basking in the warm sunlight rejuvenates my soul.
Basking in the warm sunlight rejuvenates my soul.
- "*Basking* in the warm sunlight" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (rejuvenates) + noun phrase (my soul).
- 2Object
I enjoy basking in the glory of nature.
I enjoy basking in the glory of nature.
- "*Basking* in the glory of nature" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*basking* in the glory of nature).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for basking in the sunshine.
She has a passion for basking in the sunshine.
- "For *basking* in the sunshine" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *basking* in the sunshine).
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 bask in the beach tomorrow.
They hope to bask in the warm weather during their vacation.
He wants to bask in the tropical paradise.
We decided to bask at the poolside this weekend.
They agreed to bask in the sun together.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys basking in the warm weather every day.
They recommend regular basking for better mood and relaxation.
I dislike the idea of basking in extreme heat.
He avoids basking in direct sunlight for too long.
Can you imagine yourself basking on a beautiful beach?
