When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To board (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to board" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to board the plane as soon as possible.
Boarding (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "boarding" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Boarding can be a stressful experience.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To board (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To board is the first step in traveling by airplane.
To board is the first step in traveling by airplane.
- "*To board*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the first step in traveling by airplane).
- 2Object
She wants me to board the train with her.
She wants me to board the train with her.
- "Me *to board* the train with her" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to board* the train with her).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a valid ticket to board the bus.
I need a valid ticket to board the bus.
- "*To board* the bus" modifies the noun "ticket."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a valid ticket *to board* the bus).
Boarding (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Boarding is usually done in groups based on seating zones.
Boarding is usually done in groups based on seating zones.
- "*Boarding*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (usually done in groups based on seating zones).
- 2Object
I enjoy boarding the train for long journeys.
I enjoy boarding the train for long journeys.
- "*Boarding* the train for long journeys" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*boarding* the train for long journeys).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a fear of boarding airplanes.
She has a fear of boarding airplanes.
- "Of *boarding* airplanes" is the object of the preposition "of."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *boarding* airplanes).
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 board the cruise ship next month.
They hope to board the train on time.
He wants to board the flight early.
We decided to board the bus instead of taking a taxi.
They agreed to board the ferry together.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys boarding the cruise ship for vacation.
They recommend early boarding for families with young children.
I dislike the process of boarding crowded buses.
He avoids boarding trains during rush hour.
Can you imagine yourself boarding a private yacht?
