When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To buy (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to buy" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to buy a new car.
Buying (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "buying" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Buying clothes online is convenient.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To buy (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To buy a house requires careful planning.
To buy a house requires careful planning.
- "*To buy* a house" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (careful planning).
- 2Object
She wants me to buy groceries.
She wants me to buy groceries.
- "Me *to buy* groceries" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to buy* groceries).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a shopping list to buy all the items.
I need a shopping list to buy all the items.
- "*To buy* all the items" modifies the noun "shopping list."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a shopping list *to buy* all the items).
Buying (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Buying a car can be a complex process.
Buying a car can be a complex process.
- "*Buying* a car" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + noun phrase (a complex process).
- 2Object
I enjoy buying books at the bookstore.
I enjoy buying books at the bookstore.
- "*Buying* books at the bookstore" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*buying* books at the bookstore).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for buying antique furniture.
She has a passion for buying antique furniture.
- "For *buying* antique furniture" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *buying* antique furniture).
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 buy a new laptop next month.
They hope to buy a beach house in the future.
He wants to buy a designer handbag.
We decided to buy a new TV for the living room.
They agreed to buy a gift for their friend's birthday.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys buying fresh produce at the farmer's market.
They recommend buying organic products for a healthier lifestyle.
I dislike the idea of buying used electronics.
He avoids buying products with excessive packaging.
Can you imagine yourself buying a luxury yacht?
