When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To complete (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to complete" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to complete this project before the deadline.
Completing (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "completing" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Completing this puzzle is challenging.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To complete (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To complete the task is essential for our success.
To complete the task is essential for our success.
- "*To complete* the task" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (essential for our success).
- 2Object
She wants me to complete the report.
She wants me to complete the report.
- "Me *to complete* the report" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to complete* the report).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a quiet place to complete my work.
I need a quiet place to complete my work.
- "*To complete* my work" modifies the noun "place."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a quiet place *to complete* my work).
Completing (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Completing puzzles is a fun hobby.
Completing puzzles is a fun hobby.
- "*Completing* puzzles" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a fun hobby).
- 2Object
I enjoy completing difficult tasks.
I enjoy completing difficult tasks.
- "*Completing* difficult tasks" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*completing* difficult tasks).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a talent for completing complex projects.
She has a talent for completing complex projects.
- "For *completing* complex projects" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *completing* complex projects).
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 complete the project by next week.
They hope to complete all the tasks on time.
He wants to complete the assignment before the class starts.
We decided to complete the training program this month.
They agreed to complete the project together.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys completing crossword puzzles in her free time.
They recommend completing the training course for career advancement.
I dislike the feeling of completing tedious paperwork.
He avoids completing tasks at the last minute.
Can you imagine yourself completing a marathon?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to complete projects ahead of schedule. She likes completing challenging tasks.
We started to complete the renovation process. We started completing the final touches.
He began to complete his thesis research. He began completing the experiments.
