When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To bounce (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to bounce" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to bounce the ball on the ground.
Bouncing (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "bouncing" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Bouncing is a great way to release energy.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To bounce (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To bounce is a fun activity for children.
To bounce is a fun activity for children.
- "*To bounce*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a fun activity for children).
- 2Object
She wants me to bounce the ball.
She wants me to bounce the ball.
- "Me *to bounce* the ball" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to bounce* the ball).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a bouncy ball to bounce off the walls.
I need a bouncy ball to bounce off the walls.
- "*To bounce* off the walls" modifies the noun "ball."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a bouncy ball *to bounce* off the walls).
Bouncing (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Bouncing helps improve coordination and balance.
Bouncing helps improve coordination and balance.
- "*Bouncing*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (helps) + noun phrase (improve coordination and balance).
- 2Object
I enjoy bouncing on the trampoline.
I enjoy bouncing on the trampoline.
- "*Bouncing* on the trampoline" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*bouncing* on the trampoline).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for bouncing.
She has a passion for bouncing.
- "For *bouncing*" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *bouncing*).
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 bounce the ball at the park tomorrow.
They hope to bounce on the trampoline during their visit.
He wants to bounce high on the trampoline.
We decided to bounce the ball in the backyard this afternoon.
They agreed to bounce together on the inflatable castle.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys bouncing on the exercise ball every day.
They recommend regular bouncing for a healthy lifestyle.
I dislike the idea of bouncing on a trampoline.
He avoids bouncing on hard surfaces to prevent injuries.
Can you imagine yourself bouncing on a giant inflatable castle?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to bounce on the trampoline. She likes bouncing on the trampoline.
We started to bounce the ball competitively. We started bouncing the ball competitively.
He began to bounce on the exercise ball every morning. He began bouncing on the exercise ball every morning.
