When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To defend (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to defend" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to defend my team in the championship game.
Defending (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "defending" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Defending is a challenging task that requires focus and skill.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To defend (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To defend is an important skill in soccer.
To defend is an important skill in soccer.
- "*To defend*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an important skill in soccer).
- 2Object
She wants me to defend the goal.
She wants me to defend the goal.
- "Me *to defend* the goal" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to defend* the goal).
- 3Adjective Modifier
We need a strong defense to defend our title.
We need a strong defense to defend our title.
- "*To defend* our title" modifies the noun "defense."
- Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a strong defense *to defend* our title).
Defending (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Defending requires quick reflexes and tactical awareness.
Defending requires quick reflexes and tactical awareness.
- "*Defending*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (quick reflexes and tactical awareness).
- 2Object
I enjoy defending my team's goal.
I enjoy defending my team's goal.
- "*Defending* my team's goal" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*defending* my team's goal).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for defending human rights.
She has a passion for defending human rights.
- "For *defending* human rights" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *defending* human rights).
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
They plan to defend their position in the upcoming debate.
I hope to defend my thesis successfully.
He wants to defend his reputation against false accusations.
We decided to defend our rights in court.
They agreed to defend each other no matter what.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He enjoys defending his position in the debate.
They recommend regular defending drills for improved skills.
I dislike the idea of defending in unfavorable weather conditions.
She avoids defending controversial viewpoints.
Can you imagine yourself defending your beliefs in a heated discussion?
