When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To die (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to die" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I don't want to die without achieving my dreams.
Dying (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "dying" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Dying is a natural part of the life cycle.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To die (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To die is a natural part of life.
To die is a natural part of life.
- "*To die*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a natural part of life).
- 2Object
He expects his enemies to die in battle.
He expects his enemies to die in battle.
- "His enemies *to die* in battle" is the object of the verb "expects."
- Noun (He) + verb (expects) + noun phrase (his enemies *to die* in battle).
- 3Adjective Modifier
We need a cure to die from this disease.
We need a cure to die from this disease.
- "*To die* from this disease" modifies the noun "cure."
- Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a cure *to die* from this disease).
Dying (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Dying can be a painful process.
Dying can be a painful process.
- "*Dying*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + noun phrase (a painful process).
- 2Object
He enjoys watching movies about dying heroes.
He enjoys watching movies about dying heroes.
- "Watching movies about *dying* heroes" is the object of the verb "enjoys."
- Noun (He) + verb (enjoys) + gerund (watching movies about *dying* heroes).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a fear of dying alone.
She has a fear of dying alone.
- "Of *dying* alone" is the object of the preposition "of."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *dying* alone).
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 hopes to die peacefully in her sleep.
They want to die surrounded by loved ones.
He chose to die on his own terms.
We refused to die without a fight.
She attempted to die by suicide.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He avoids dying in accidents by following safety rules.
They are considering dying their hair a different color.
Doctors recommend palliative care for those who are dying.
Can you imagine dying and coming back to life?
She resists the urge to cry when witnessing someone dying.
