When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To belong (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to belong" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to belong to a community that shares my interests.
Belonging (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "belonging" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Belonging to a group can provide a sense of identity.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To belong (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To belong is a basic human need.
To belong is a basic human need.
- "*To belong*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a basic human need).
- 2Object
She wants me to belong to her group.
She wants me to belong to her group.
- "Me *to belong* to her group" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to belong* to her group).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a sense of belonging to feel fulfilled.
I need a sense of belonging to feel fulfilled.
- "*To feel fulfilled*" modifies the noun "sense of belonging."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a sense of belonging *to feel fulfilled*).
Belonging (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Belonging is important for mental well-being.
Belonging is important for mental well-being.
- "*Belonging*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (important for mental well-being).
- 2Object
I enjoy belonging to a supportive community.
I enjoy belonging to a supportive community.
- "*Belonging* to a supportive community" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*belonging* to a supportive community).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a strong sense of belonging in her workplace.
She has a strong sense of belonging in her workplace.
- "Of *belonging*" is the object of the preposition "of."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a strong sense of *belonging*).
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 hope to belong to a supportive community.
We decided to belong to a club for socializing.
He refused to belong to a group that didn't align with his values.
She wants to belong to a team that values teamwork.
We plan to belong to an organization that promotes environmental conservation.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
They like belonging to a club that shares their hobbies.
We started belonging to a community center for volunteering.
He is considering belonging to a sports team for fitness.
I recommend belonging to a support group for emotional well-being.
Do you mind belonging to a diverse organization?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys to belong to a close-knit family. She enjoys belonging to a close-knit family.
We started to belong to a new neighborhood. We started belonging to a new neighborhood.
He began to belong to a social club. He began belonging to a social club.
