When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To dander (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to dander" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to dander through the park and enjoy the scenery.
Dandering (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "dandering" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Dandering is a great way to explore new places.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To dander (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To dander is a relaxing way to clear my mind.
To dander is a relaxing way to clear my mind.
- "*To dander*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a relaxing way to clear my mind).
- 2Object
She wants me to dander with her in the neighborhood.
She wants me to dander with her in the neighborhood.
- "Me *to dander* with her in the neighborhood" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to dander* with her in the neighborhood).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a good pair of shoes to dander comfortably.
I need a good pair of shoes to dander comfortably.
- "*To dander* comfortably" modifies the noun "pair of shoes."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a good pair of shoes *to dander* comfortably).
Dandering (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Dandering in nature brings me peace.
Dandering in nature brings me peace.
- "*Dandering* in nature" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (brings) + noun phrase (me peace).
- 2Object
I enjoy dandering in the park.
I enjoy dandering in the park.
- "*Dandering* in the park" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*dandering* in the park).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for dandering in foreign cities.
She has a passion for dandering in foreign cities.
- "For *dandering*" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *dandering* in foreign cities).
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 dander in the park tomorrow.
They hope to dander along the beach during their vacation.
He wants to dander through the forest.
We decided to dander in the city this weekend.
They agreed to dander in the garden together.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys dandering in the countryside every weekend.
They recommend regular dandering for better mental health.
I dislike the idea of dandering in crowded places.
He avoids dandering in noisy areas.
Can you imagine yourself dandering through ancient ruins?
