When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To choose (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to choose" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to choose the best option for my project.
Choosing (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "choosing" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Choosing the right career is important for long-term happiness.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To choose (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To choose is a difficult decision.
To choose is a difficult decision.
- "*To choose*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a difficult decision).
- 2Object
She wants me to choose the right path.
She wants me to choose the right path.
- "Me *to choose* the right path" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to choose* the right path).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a guide to choose the right colors.
I need a guide to choose the right colors.
- "*To choose* the right colors" modifies the noun "guide."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a guide *to choose* the right colors).
Choosing (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Choosing the right path requires careful consideration.
Choosing the right path requires careful consideration.
- "*Choosing* the right path" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (careful consideration).
- 2Object
I enjoy choosing the perfect gift for someone.
I enjoy choosing the perfect gift for someone.
- "*Choosing* the perfect gift for someone" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*choosing* the perfect gift for someone).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a talent for choosing the right colors.
She has a talent for choosing the right colors.
- "For *choosing* the right colors" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *choosing* the right colors).
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 choose her wedding dress this weekend.
They hope to choose a destination for their vacation.
He wants to choose his own path in life.
We decided to choose the best candidate for the job.
They agreed to choose a new logo for the company.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys choosing her outfit for the day.
They recommend choosing a career based on passion and skills.
I dislike the process of choosing a restaurant for dinner.
He avoids choosing the wrong path in life.
Can you imagine yourself choosing between two great opportunities?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to choose her own clothes. She likes choosing her own clothes.
We started to choose a new paint color for the living room. We started choosing a new paint color for the living room.
He began to choose healthier food options. He began choosing healthier food options.
