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 with loved ones is a memorable experience.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To celebrate (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To celebrate is a way to express joy and happiness.
To celebrate is a way to express joy and happiness.
- "*To celebrate*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a way to express joy and happiness).
- 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
We need a venue to celebrate the anniversary.
We need a venue to celebrate the anniversary.
- "*To celebrate* the anniversary" modifies the noun "venue."
- Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a venue *to celebrate* the anniversary).
Celebrating (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Celebrating brings people closer.
Celebrating brings people closer.
- "*Celebrating*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (brings) + noun phrase (people closer).
- 2Object
We enjoy celebrating special occasions.
We enjoy celebrating special occasions.
- "*Celebrating* special occasions" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (We) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*celebrating* special occasions).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for celebrating life.
She has a passion for celebrating life.
- "For *celebrating* life" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *celebrating* life).
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
They plan to celebrate their graduation next month.
I hope to celebrate with all my friends and family.
He wants to celebrate the achievement together.
We decided to celebrate our success with a trip.
They agreed to celebrate by throwing a surprise party.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
They enjoy celebrating festivals with enthusiasm.
I recommend celebrating achievements to boost morale.
He dislikes celebrating his own birthday.
We avoid celebrating in crowded places.
Can you imagine yourself celebrating on a tropical island?
