When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To bet (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to bet" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to bet on the winning horse in the race.
Betting (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "betting" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Betting can be addictive and should be done responsibly.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To bet (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To bet is a risky activity.
To bet is a risky activity.
- "*To bet*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a risky activity).
- 2Object
She wants me to bet on her favorite team.
She wants me to bet on her favorite team.
- "Me *to bet* on her favorite team" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to bet* on her favorite team).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a strategy to bet wisely.
I need a strategy to bet wisely.
- "*To bet* wisely" modifies the noun "strategy."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a strategy *to bet* wisely).
Betting (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Betting requires knowledge and luck.
Betting requires knowledge and luck.
- "*Betting*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (knowledge and luck).
- 2Object
I enjoy betting on sports events.
I enjoy betting on sports events.
- "*Betting* on sports events" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*betting* on sports events).
- 3Object of Preposition
He has a talent for betting on the right outcome.
He has a talent for betting on the right outcome.
- "For *betting* on the right outcome" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *betting* on the right outcome).
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 bet on the underdog team.
They hope to bet on the right number.
She wants to bet on the next game.
We decided to bet on the home team.
They agreed to bet together.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys betting on horse races.
They recommend responsible betting for entertainment purposes only.
I dislike the idea of betting on random outcomes.
He avoids excessive betting.
Can you imagine yourself betting on high-stakes games?
