When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To blob (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to blob" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to blob in the mud to have some fun.
Blobbing (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "blobbing" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Blobbing is a hilarious activity that will make you laugh.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To blob (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To blob is a unique way to relax and let go of stress.
To blob is a unique way to relax and let go of stress.
- "*To blob*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a unique way to relax and let go of stress).
- 2Object
She wants me to blob with her in the park.
She wants me to blob with her in the park.
- "Me *to blob* with her in the park" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to blob* with her in the park).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a soft surface to blob on.
I need a soft surface to blob on.
- "*To blob* on" modifies the noun "surface."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a soft surface *to blob* on).
Blobbing (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Blobbing is gaining popularity as an entertaining water sport.
Blobbing is gaining popularity as an entertaining water sport.
- "*Blobbing*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (gaining popularity as an entertaining water sport).
- 2Object
I enjoy blobbing in the lake with my friends.
I enjoy blobbing in the lake with my friends.
- "*Blobbing* in the lake with my friends" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*blobbing* in the lake with my friends).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a fear of blobbing from high platforms.
She has a fear of blobbing from high platforms.
- "Of *blobbing* from high platforms" is the object of the preposition "of."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *blobbing* from high platforms).
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 blob in the mud pit tomorrow.
I hope to blob with my friends during the weekend.
He wants to blob in the giant blob tower.
We decided to blob at the beach this summer.
They agreed to blob together in the inflatable blob.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
They enjoy blobbing in the pool every summer.
Experts recommend wearing a life jacket while blobbing.
I dislike the feeling of blobbing through the air.
He avoids blobbing in rough waters.
Can you imagine yourself blobbing off a cliff?
