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To Decorate vs Decorating Infinitives & Gerunds

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Infinitives: An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by the word "to" (e.g., to swim, to eat, to learn). It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence. Infinitives are often used to express intentions, purposes, desires, or potential actions. Gerunds: A gerund is the -ing form of a verb (e.g., swimming, eating, learning). It’s different from a “present participle” which functions as a verb tense. A gerund can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To decorate (Infinitive)

Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to decorate" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action

Example

I want to decorate my living room with colorful artwork.

Decorating (Gerund)

Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "decorating" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.

Example

Decorating can be a fun and fulfilling activity.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To decorate (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To decorate is a creative way to express oneself.

    To decorate is a creative way to express oneself.

    • "*To decorate*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a creative way to express oneself).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to decorate her birthday cake.

    She wants me to decorate her birthday cake.

    • "Me *to decorate* her birthday cake" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to decorate* her birthday cake).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need paint to decorate the walls.

    I need paint to decorate the walls.

    • "*To decorate* the walls" modifies the noun "paint."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (paint *to decorate* the walls).

Decorating (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Decorating requires creativity and attention to detail.

    Decorating requires creativity and attention to detail.

    • "*Decorating*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (creativity and attention to detail).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy decorating my home for different seasons.

    I enjoy decorating my home for different seasons.

    • "*Decorating* my home for different seasons" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*decorating* my home for different seasons).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for decorating spaces.

    She has a talent for decorating spaces.

    • "For *decorating* spaces" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *decorating* spaces).

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 decorate her house for the holidays.

They hope to decorate their garden with flowers.

He wants to decorate his office with modern furniture.

We decided to decorate the room in a minimalist style.

They agreed to decorate the party venue with balloons and streamers.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys decorating cakes for special occasions.

They recommend decorating the room with neutral colors.

I dislike the idea of decorating with cluttered furniture.

He avoids decorating with overly flashy decorations.

Can you imagine yourself decorating your dream home?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to decorate her workspace with plants. She likes decorating her workspace with plants.

We started to decorate our house for the holidays. We started decorating our house for the holidays.

He began to decorate the room with artwork. He began decorating the room with artwork.

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