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 brings me joy and fulfillment.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To create (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To create is an essential part of the artistic process.
To create is an essential part of the artistic process.
- "*To create*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an essential part of the artistic process).
- 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
I need a blank canvas to create my masterpiece.
I need a blank canvas to create my masterpiece.
- "*To create* my masterpiece" modifies the noun "canvas."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a blank canvas *to create* my masterpiece).
Creating (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Creating is a form of self-expression.
Creating is a form of self-expression.
- "*Creating*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a form of self-expression).
- 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 talent for creating unique jewelry pieces.
She has a talent 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 talent 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.
He wants to create a beautiful garden.
We decided to create a mural on the wall.
They agreed to create a collaborative art project.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys creating pottery on the wheel.
They recommend creating a vision board for goal setting.
I dislike the idea of creating abstract paintings.
He avoids creating conflicts in his artwork.
Can you imagine yourself creating sculptures out of recycled materials?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to create intricate origami designs. She likes creating intricate origami designs.
We started to create a collaborative art project. We started creating a collaborative art project.
He began to create digital artwork. He began creating digital artwork.
