When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To curtsey (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to curtsey" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to curtsey in front of the queen.
Curtseying (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "curtseying" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Curtseying is a gesture of respect towards royalty.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To curtsey (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To curtsey is a traditional gesture of respect.
To curtsey is a traditional gesture of respect.
- "*To curtsey*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a traditional gesture of respect).
- 2Object
She wants me to curtsey in the royal ceremony.
She wants me to curtsey in the royal ceremony.
- "Me *to curtsey* in the royal ceremony" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to curtsey* in the royal ceremony).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a dress to curtsey properly.
I need a dress to curtsey properly.
- "*To curtsey* properly" modifies the noun "dress."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a dress *to curtsey* properly).
Curtseying (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Curtseying is an important tradition in some cultures.
Curtseying is an important tradition in some cultures.
- "*Curtseying*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an important tradition in some cultures).
- 2Object
I enjoy curtseying in formal events.
I enjoy curtseying in formal events.
- "*Curtseying* in formal events" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*curtseying* in formal events).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a talent for curtseying.
She has a talent for curtseying.
- "For *curtseying*" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *curtseying*).
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 curtsey when she meets the queen.
They hope to curtsey during the royal visit.
He wants to curtsey in the official ceremony.
We decided to curtsey at the royal ball.
They agreed to curtsey in front of the royal family.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys curtseying at royal functions.
They recommend learning proper curtseying etiquette.
I dislike the idea of curtseying in public.
He avoids curtseying in casual settings.
Can you imagine yourself curtseying to a king?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to curtsey when meeting important guests. She likes curtseying when meeting important guests.
We started to curtsey after our dance performance. We started curtseying after our dance performance.
He began to curtsey as part of his etiquette training. He began curtseying as part of his etiquette training.
