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To Celebrate vs Celebrating Infinitives & Gerunds

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Infinitives: An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by the word "to" (e.g., to swim, to eat, to learn). It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence. Infinitives are often used to express intentions, purposes, desires, or potential actions. Gerunds: A gerund is the -ing form of a verb (e.g., swimming, eating, learning). It’s different from a “present participle” which functions as a verb tense. A gerund can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To celebrate (Infinitive)

Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to celebrate" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action

Example

I want to celebrate my birthday with a big party.

Celebrating (Gerund)

Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "celebrating" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.

Example

Celebrating achievements is important for motivation.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To celebrate (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To celebrate is a joyful activity.

    To celebrate is a joyful activity.

    • "*To celebrate*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a joyful activity).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to celebrate with her.

    She wants me to celebrate with her.

    • "Me *to celebrate* with her" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to celebrate* with her).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need decorations to celebrate the occasion.

    I need decorations to celebrate the occasion.

    • "*To celebrate* the occasion" modifies the noun "decorations."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (decorations *to celebrate* the occasion).

Celebrating (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Celebrating milestones is a way to acknowledge accomplishments.

    Celebrating milestones is a way to acknowledge accomplishments.

    • "*Celebrating* milestones" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a way to acknowledge accomplishments).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy celebrating with my friends and family.

    I enjoy celebrating with my friends and family.

    • "*Celebrating* with my friends and family" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*celebrating* with my friends and family).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for celebrating different cultures.

    She has a passion for celebrating different cultures.

    • "For *celebrating* different cultures" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *celebrating* different cultures).

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 celebrate her promotion at a fancy restaurant.

They hope to celebrate their anniversary with a trip to Paris.

He wants to celebrate his graduation with a big party.

We decided to celebrate our success by going on a vacation.

They agreed to celebrate the holidays together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys celebrating special occasions with her loved ones.

They recommend celebrating achievements to boost morale.

I dislike the idea of celebrating in crowded places.

He avoids celebrating his birthday with extravagant parties.

Can you imagine yourself celebrating New Year's Eve in Times Square?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to celebrate her achievements with a glass of champagne. She likes celebrating her achievements with a glass of champagne.

We started to celebrate the completion of our project. We started celebrating the completion of our project.

He began to celebrate his success by treating himself to a vacation. He began celebrating his success by treating himself to a vacation.

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