When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To create (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to create" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to create a masterpiece with my artwork.
Creating (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "creating" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Creating is a form of self-expression.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To create (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To create is a fundamental human desire.
To create is a fundamental human desire.
- "*To create*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a fundamental human desire).
- 2Object
She wants me to create a logo for her business.
She wants me to create a logo for her business.
- "Me *to create* a logo for her business" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to create* a logo for her business).
- 3Adjective Modifier
He needs a paintbrush to create beautiful artwork.
He needs a paintbrush to create beautiful artwork.
- "*To create* beautiful artwork" modifies the noun "paintbrush."
- Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a paintbrush *to create* beautiful artwork).
Creating (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Creating brings me joy and fulfillment.
Creating brings me joy and fulfillment.
- "*Creating*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (brings) + noun phrase (me joy and fulfillment).
- 2Object
I enjoy creating digital illustrations.
I enjoy creating digital illustrations.
- "*Creating* digital illustrations" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*creating* digital illustrations).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for creating unique jewelry pieces.
She has a passion for creating unique jewelry pieces.
- "For *creating* unique jewelry pieces" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *creating* unique jewelry pieces).
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 create a sculpture from clay.
They hope to create a successful business together.
He wants to create a unique website design.
We decided to create a new marketing campaign.
They agreed to create a collaborative art project.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys creating pottery on the wheel.
They recommend practicing creating art regularly.
I dislike the idea of creating abstract paintings.
He avoids creating artwork in a rushed manner.
Can you imagine yourself creating sculptures out of recycled materials?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to create intricate paper cuttings. She likes creating intricate paper cuttings.
We started to create a collaborative art project. We started creating a collaborative art project.
He began to create his own comic book series. He began creating his own comic book series.
