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 things is always exciting.
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 the hidden treasure.
She wants me to discover the hidden treasure.
- "Me *to discover* the hidden treasure" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to discover* the hidden treasure).
- 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
She has a passion for discovering new music.
She has a passion for discovering new music.
- "For *discovering* new music" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *discovering* new music).
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 discover new hiking trails this weekend.
They hope to discover rare species during their expedition.
He wants to discover ancient ruins in the jungle.
We decided to discover new recipes for our cooking blog.
They agreed to discover the truth together.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys discovering new restaurants in town.
They recommend discovering local traditions while traveling.
I avoid discovering spoilers before watching a movie.
Can you imagine yourself discovering a hidden treasure?
We are considering discovering new hobbies during the summer.
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to discover new hiking trails. She likes discovering new hiking trails.
We started to discover new authors. We started discovering new authors.
He began to discover the world of photography. He began discovering the world of photography.
