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 fascinating.
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 new routes.
I need a map to discover new routes.
- "*To discover* new routes" modifies the noun "map."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a map *to discover* new routes).
Discovering (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Discovering different cultures broadens your perspective.
Discovering different cultures broadens your perspective.
- "*Discovering* different cultures" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (broadens) + noun phrase (your perspective).
- 2Object
I enjoy discovering new recipes.
I enjoy discovering new recipes.
- "*Discovering* new recipes" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*discovering* new recipes).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for discovering hidden gems.
She has a passion for discovering hidden gems.
- "For *discovering* hidden gems" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *discovering* hidden gems).
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 ancient ruins during her trip.
They hope to discover new species in the rainforest.
He wants to discover the secrets of the universe.
We decided to discover the hidden gems of the city.
They agreed to discover the truth behind the mystery.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys discovering new places during her travels.
They recommend discovering local customs and traditions.
I avoid discovering the truth to spare others' feelings.
Can you imagine yourself discovering a hidden treasure?
We are considering discovering new hiking trails.
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to discover new restaurants. She likes discovering new restaurants.
We started to discover new hobbies. We started discovering new hobbies.
He began to discover the wonders of nature. He began discovering the wonders of nature.
