When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To browse (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to browse" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to browse the internet for new books to read.
Browsing (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "browsing" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Browsing is a great way to discover new things.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To browse (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To browse is a great way to pass the time.
To browse is a great way to pass the time.
- "*To browse*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a great way to pass the time).
- 2Object
She wants me to browse the catalog for her.
She wants me to browse the catalog for her.
- "Me *to browse* the catalog" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to browse* the catalog).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a comfortable chair to browse the internet.
I need a comfortable chair to browse the internet.
- "*To browse* the internet" modifies the noun "chair."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a comfortable chair *to browse* the internet).
Browsing (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Browsing can be addictive if not controlled.
Browsing can be addictive if not controlled.
- "*Browsing*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + adjective phrase (addictive if not controlled).
- 2Object
I enjoy browsing online shops for deals.
I enjoy browsing online shops for deals.
- "*Browsing* online shops for deals" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*browsing* online shops for deals).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for browsing art galleries.
She has a passion for browsing art galleries.
- "For *browsing* art galleries" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *browsing* art galleries).
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 browse online stores for discounts.
They hope to browse through travel websites for vacation ideas.
He wants to browse the latest fashion trends.
We decided to browse for new furniture.
They agreed to browse together for a new car.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys browsing social media in her free time.
They recommend browsing online reviews before making a purchase.
I dislike the idea of browsing through crowded stores.
He avoids browsing websites with too many ads.
Can you imagine spending hours browsing antique shops?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to browse for new recipes online. She likes browsing for new recipes online.
We started to browse for vacation destinations. We started browsing for vacation destinations.
He began to browse through job listings. He began browsing through job listings.
