When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To discover (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to discover" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to discover new places and cultures.
Discovering (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "discovering" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Discovering new places is always an exciting experience.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To discover (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To discover is an exciting adventure.
To discover is an exciting adventure.
- "*To discover*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an exciting adventure).
- 2Object
She wants me to discover hidden treasures.
She wants me to discover hidden treasures.
- "Me *to discover* hidden treasures" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to discover* hidden treasures).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a map to discover the right path.
I need a map to discover the right path.
- "*To discover* the right path" modifies the noun "map."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a map *to discover* the right path).
Discovering (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Discovering new cultures broadens your horizons.
Discovering new cultures broadens your horizons.
- "*Discovering* new cultures" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (broadens) + noun phrase (your horizons).
- 2Object
I enjoy discovering hidden gems in the city.
I enjoy discovering hidden gems in the city.
- "*Discovering* hidden gems in the city" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*discovering* hidden gems in the city).
- 3Object of Preposition
He has a passion for discovering new hiking trails.
He has a passion for discovering new hiking trails.
- "For *discovering* new hiking trails" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *discovering* new hiking trails).
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
He plans to discover new hiking trails in the mountains.
They hope to discover rare species of birds during their expedition.
We want to discover hidden gems in the city.
I decided to discover the historical sites on my own.
They agreed to discover the secret treasure together.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys discovering new restaurants in different cities.
They recommend discovering local customs and traditions while traveling.
I avoid discovering tourist traps when exploring a new place.
Can you imagine yourself discovering ancient ruins?
He is considering discovering new hiking trails in the national park.
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to discover hidden treasures. She likes discovering hidden treasures.
We started to discover new hiking trails. We started discovering new hiking trails.
He began to discover new places. He began discovering new places.
