To Display vs Displaying Infinitives & Gerunds

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To display (Infinitive)

Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to display" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action

Example

I want to display my artwork in the gallery.

Displaying (Gerund)

Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "displaying" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.

Example

Displaying your work can attract potential buyers.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To display (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To display is an important aspect of showcasing art.

  To display is an important aspect of showcasing art.

  • "*To display*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an important aspect of showcasing art).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to display her collection at the exhibition.

  She wants me to display her collection at the exhibition.

  • "Me *to display* her collection at the exhibition" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to display* her collection at the exhibition).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  We need a proper platform to display our products.

  We need a proper platform to display our products.

  • "*To display* our products" modifies the noun "platform."
  • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a proper platform *to display* our products).

Displaying (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Displaying art in public spaces promotes cultural appreciation.

  Displaying art in public spaces promotes cultural appreciation.

  • "*Displaying* art in public spaces" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (promotes) + noun phrase (cultural appreciation).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy displaying my creations at local art festivals.

  I enjoy displaying my creations at local art festivals.

  • "*Displaying* my creations at local art festivals" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*displaying* my creations at local art festivals).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a passion for displaying her artwork in unconventional ways.

  She has a passion for displaying her artwork in unconventional ways.

  • "For *displaying* her artwork in unconventional ways" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *displaying* her artwork in unconventional ways).

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

• plan
• hope
• want
• decide
• agree

Example

They plan to display their artwork at the upcoming art fair.

I hope to display my photographs in a solo exhibition.

He wants to display his sculptures in a renowned museum.

We decided to display the paintings in a chronological order.

They agreed to display the artwork on a rotating basis.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• avoid
• imagine
• consider

Example

He enjoys displaying his photography in galleries around the world.

Experts recommend displaying artwork in well-lit areas for better visibility.

They avoid displaying controversial art in public spaces.

Can you imagine yourself displaying your artwork in a prestigious gallery?

We are considering displaying the sculptures in a dedicated outdoor space.

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to display her work in unconventional ways. She likes displaying her work in unconventional ways.

He started to display his paintings in local cafes. He started displaying his paintings in local cafes.

We began to display our photographs at art fairs. We began displaying our photographs at art fairs.