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 fun 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 relax after a long day.
To browse is a great way to relax after a long day.
- "*To browse*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a great way to relax after a long day).
- 2Object
She wants me to browse the online store for new clothes.
She wants me to browse the online store for new clothes.
- "Me *to browse* the online store for new clothes" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to browse* the online store for new clothes).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a comfortable chair to browse the web.
I need a comfortable chair to browse the web.
- "*To browse* the web" modifies the noun "chair."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a comfortable chair *to browse* the web).
Browsing (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Browsing can be addictive if not done in moderation.
Browsing can be addictive if not done in moderation.
- "*Browsing*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + adjective phrase (addictive if not done in moderation).
- 2Object
I enjoy browsing through antique shops.
I enjoy browsing through antique shops.
- "*Browsing* through antique shops" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*browsing* through antique shops).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for browsing online forums.
She has a passion for browsing online forums.
- "For *browsing* online forums" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *browsing* online forums).
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
We decided to browse through the catalog before making a purchase.
They hope to browse the art gallery during their visit.
He wants to browse the bookstore for a new novel.
She plans to browse the online marketplace for used furniture.
They agreed to browse the museum exhibits together.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He enjoys browsing the latest fashion trends.
They recommend regular browsing for staying informed.
I avoid browsing social media before bed.
She is considering browsing the local farmers market for fresh produce.
Do you mind browsing through these magazines?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to browse through recipe websites. She likes browsing through recipe websites.
We started to browse the online store for new furniture. We started browsing the online store for new furniture.
He began to browse the internet for travel destinations. He began browsing the internet for travel destinations.
