When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To coast (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to coast" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to coast down the hill on my skateboard.
Coasting (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "coasting" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Coasting is a fun way to enjoy the ride.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To coast (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To coast is a thrilling experience.
To coast is a thrilling experience.
- "*To coast*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a thrilling experience).
- 2Object
She wants me to coast with her on the bike.
She wants me to coast with her on the bike.
- "Me *to coast* with her on the bike" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to coast* with her on the bike).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a long hill to coast down.
I need a long hill to coast down.
- "*To coast* down" modifies the noun "hill."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a long hill *to coast* down).
Coasting (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Coasting requires good balance and control.
Coasting requires good balance and control.
- "*Coasting*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (good balance and control).
- 2Object
I enjoy coasting down the mountain.
I enjoy coasting down the mountain.
- "*Coasting* down the mountain" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*coasting* down the mountain).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for coasting on her skateboard.
She has a passion for coasting on her skateboard.
- "For *coasting*" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *coasting* on her skateboard).
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 coast through the park tomorrow.
They hope to coast along the beach during their vacation.
He wants to coast on a roller coaster.
We decided to coast on our bikes this weekend.
They agreed to coast together on a tandem bicycle.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys coasting on her scooter every day.
They recommend regular coasting for better balance and coordination.
I dislike the idea of coasting in heavy traffic.
He avoids coasting on steep hills.
Can you imagine yourself coasting down a winding road?
