When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To collocate (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to collocate" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to collocate the furniture in a way that maximizes space.
Collocating (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "collocating" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Collocating different textures can add depth to the room.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To collocate (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To collocate different colors can create a visually appealing design.
To collocate different colors can create a visually appealing design.
- "*To collocate* different colors" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (can) + noun phrase (different colors).
- 2Object
She wants me to collocate the items on the shelf.
She wants me to collocate the items on the shelf.
- "Me *to collocate* the items on the shelf" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to collocate* the items on the shelf).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a professional to collocate the office furniture.
I need a professional to collocate the office furniture.
- "*To collocate* the office furniture" modifies the noun "professional."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a professional *to collocate* the office furniture).
Collocating (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Collocating contrasting patterns creates an interesting visual effect.
Collocating contrasting patterns creates an interesting visual effect.
- "*Collocating* contrasting patterns" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (creates) + noun phrase (contrasting patterns).
- 2Object
I enjoy collocating various decor items in my home.
I enjoy collocating various decor items in my home.
- "*Collocating* various decor items" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*collocating* various decor items).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a talent for collocating colors harmoniously.
She has a talent for collocating colors harmoniously.
- "For *collocating* colors harmoniously" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *collocating* colors harmoniously).
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 collocate the artwork in the gallery tomorrow.
They hope to collocate the books by genre on the shelves.
He wants to collocate the photographs based on theme.
We decided to collocate the plants according to their sunlight requirements.
They agreed to collocate the furniture in a symmetrical arrangement.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys collocating different fabrics in her sewing projects.
They recommend collocating accessories that complement each other.
I dislike the idea of collocating clashing patterns.
He avoids collocating items that clash in color or style.
Can you imagine yourself collocating various textures in interior design?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to collocate furniture pieces to create a cohesive look. She likes collocating different elements to create a unique style.
We started to collocate the artwork in the gallery. We started collocating different materials for our art projects.
He began to collocate items in his store displays. He began collocating various colors and shapes in his artwork.
