When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To drift (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to drift" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to drift along the river and enjoy the peaceful scenery.
Drifting (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "drifting" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Drifting is a thrilling motorsport.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To drift (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To drift is a popular activity on calm lakes.
To drift is a popular activity on calm lakes.
- "*To drift*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a popular activity on calm lakes).
- 2Object
She wants me to drift with her in the ocean.
She wants me to drift with her in the ocean.
- "Me *to drift* with her in the ocean" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to drift* with her in the ocean).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a comfortable boat to drift peacefully.
I need a comfortable boat to drift peacefully.
- "*To drift* peacefully" modifies the noun "boat."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a comfortable boat *to drift* peacefully).
Drifting (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Drifting requires a high level of skill and control.
Drifting requires a high level of skill and control.
- "*Drifting*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (a high level of skill and control).
- 2Object
I enjoy drifting in the snow.
I enjoy drifting in the snow.
- "*Drifting* in the snow" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*drifting* in the snow).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for drifting.
She has a passion for drifting.
- "For *drifting*" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *drifting*).
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 drift along the coast tomorrow.
They hope to drift in the lazy river during their vacation.
He wants to drift in the open sea.
We decided to drift on the lake this weekend.
They agreed to drift together in the peaceful river.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys drifting in the race track every weekend.
They recommend professional training for better drifting skills.
I dislike the idea of drifting on icy roads.
He avoids drifting in dangerous areas.
Can you imagine yourself drifting in a high-speed car?
