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 blue dress for the party.
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 path is crucial for success.
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 restaurant for dinner.
She wants me to choose the restaurant for dinner.
- "Me *to choose* the restaurant for dinner" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to choose* the restaurant for dinner).
- 3Adjective Modifier
We need a guide to choose the right path.
We need a guide to choose the right path.
- "*To choose* the right path" modifies the noun "guide."
- Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a guide *to choose* the right path).
Choosing (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Choosing the right school is a big decision.
Choosing the right school is a big decision.
- "*Choosing* the right school" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a big decision).
- 2Object
I enjoy choosing fresh ingredients for cooking.
I enjoy choosing fresh ingredients for cooking.
- "*Choosing* fresh ingredients for cooking" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*choosing* fresh ingredients for cooking).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a talent for choosing the perfect gift.
She has a talent for choosing the perfect gift.
- "For *choosing* the perfect gift" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *choosing* the perfect gift).
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 choose a destination for their vacation.
I hope to choose the winning lottery numbers.
He wants to choose his own career path.
We decided to choose the red paint for the walls.
They agreed to choose the movie for tonight's screening.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
They recommend choosing a reliable brand for electronics.
I am considering choosing a new hobby.
He avoids choosing the wrong path in life.
Can you imagine yourself choosing your dream job?
I don't mind choosing the movie for tonight.
