When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To conquer (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to conquer" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to conquer my fear of heights by skydiving.
Conquering (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "conquering" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Conquering your fears can lead to personal growth.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To conquer (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To conquer is his ultimate goal.
To conquer is his ultimate goal.
- "*To conquer*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (his ultimate goal).
- 2Object
She wants me to conquer my fears.
She wants me to conquer my fears.
- "Me *to conquer* my fears" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to conquer* my fears).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a strategy to conquer this challenge.
I need a strategy to conquer this challenge.
- "*To conquer* this challenge" modifies the noun "strategy."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a strategy *to conquer* this challenge).
Conquering (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Conquering challenges is a part of life.
Conquering challenges is a part of life.
- "*Conquering* challenges" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a part of life).
- 2Object
I enjoy conquering new territories.
I enjoy conquering new territories.
- "*Conquering* new territories" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*conquering* new territories).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for conquering obstacles.
She has a passion for conquering obstacles.
- "For *conquering* obstacles" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *conquering* obstacles).
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
He plans to conquer Mount Everest next year.
They hope to conquer their opponents in the championship.
She wants to conquer her fear of public speaking.
We decided to conquer our bad habits together.
They agreed to conquer their fears and take risks.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He enjoys conquering difficult puzzles.
They recommend conquering one's fears for personal development.
I dislike the idea of conquering new challenges.
She avoids conquering conflicts in her relationships.
Can you imagine yourself conquering your biggest fear?
