When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To embark (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to embark" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to embark on a new adventure.
Embarking (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "embarking" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Embarking on a new journey can be both exciting and nerve-wracking.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To embark (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To embark is a thrilling experience.
To embark is a thrilling experience.
- "*To embark*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a thrilling experience).
- 2Object
She wants me to embark on this journey with her.
She wants me to embark on this journey with her.
- "Me *to embark* on this journey with her" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to embark* on this journey with her).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a passport to embark on this trip.
I need a passport to embark on this trip.
- "*To embark* on this trip" modifies the noun "passport."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a passport *to embark* on this trip).
Embarking (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Embarking on new adventures is his passion.
Embarking on new adventures is his passion.
- "*Embarking*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (his passion).
- 2Object
I enjoy embarking on new challenges.
I enjoy embarking on new challenges.
- "*Embarking* on new challenges" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*embarking* on new challenges).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a fear of embarking on unfamiliar territories.
She has a fear of embarking on unfamiliar territories.
- "Of *embarking* on unfamiliar territories" is the object of the preposition "of."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *embarking* on unfamiliar territories).
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 embark on a world tour next year.
They hope to embark on a new business venture.
He wants to embark on a solo backpacking trip.
We decided to embark on a road trip across the country.
They agreed to embark on a humanitarian mission together.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys embarking on spontaneous trips.
They recommend embarking on a fitness journey for a healthier lifestyle.
I dislike the idea of embarking on a risky adventure.
He avoids embarking on long flights.
Can you imagine yourself embarking on a solo expedition?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to embark on thrilling experiences. She likes embarking on thrilling experiences.
We started to embark on a new project. We started embarking on a new project.
He began to embark on a spiritual journey. He began embarking on a spiritual journey.
