When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To commemorate (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to commemorate" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
We plan to commemorate the anniversary with a special event.
Commemorating (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "commemorating" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Commemorating the anniversary is a way to honor the past.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To commemorate (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To commemorate is an important tradition in our culture.
To commemorate is an important tradition in our culture.
- "*To commemorate*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an important tradition in our culture).
- 2Object
They want us to commemorate the achievements of our ancestors.
They want us to commemorate the achievements of our ancestors.
- "Us *to commemorate* the achievements of our ancestors" is the object of the verb "want."
- Noun (They) + verb (want) + noun phrase (us *to commemorate* the achievements of our ancestors).
- 3Adjective Modifier
She needs a monument to commemorate the fallen soldiers.
She needs a monument to commemorate the fallen soldiers.
- "*To commemorate* the fallen soldiers" modifies the noun "monument."
- Noun (She) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a monument *to commemorate* the fallen soldiers).
Commemorating (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Commemorating is a meaningful activity for the community.
Commemorating is a meaningful activity for the community.
- "*Commemorating*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a meaningful activity for the community).
- 2Object
I enjoy commemorating important events in history.
I enjoy commemorating important events in history.
- "*Commemorating* important events in history" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*commemorating* important events in history).
- 3Object of Preposition
He has a passion for commemorating the lives of influential figures.
He has a passion for commemorating the lives of influential figures.
- "For *commemorating* the lives of influential figures" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *commemorating* the lives of influential figures).
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 commemorate the occasion with a ceremony.
We hope to commemorate their contributions through this project.
He decided to commemorate the event with a memorial service.
The organization offered to commemorate the victims with a tribute concert.
She chose to commemorate her achievements with a personal reflection.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys commemorating historical milestones with exhibitions.
They recommend commemorating significant dates with public ceremonies.
Can you imagine yourself commemorating the achievements of your ancestors?
He avoids commemorating controversial events.
She resists commemorating the past due to painful memories.
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
We would like to commemorate the occasion with a memorial plaque. We would like commemorating the occasion with a memorial plaque.
They started to commemorate the anniversary with an opening ceremony. They started commemorating the anniversary with an opening ceremony.
He began to commemorate the event by laying flowers. He began commemorating the event by laying flowers.
