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To Embellish vs Embellishing Infinitives & Gerunds

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Infinitives: An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by the word "to" (e.g., to swim, to eat, to learn). It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence. Infinitives are often used to express intentions, purposes, desires, or potential actions. Gerunds: A gerund is the -ing form of a verb (e.g., swimming, eating, learning). It’s different from a “present participle” which functions as a verb tense. A gerund can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.

When and How to Use Each Expression?

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

To embellish (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to embellish my outfit with some sparkly accessories.

Embellishing (Gerund)

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

Example

Embellishing is a popular technique in fashion design.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To embellish (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To embellish is a creative way to personalize your belongings.

    To embellish is a creative way to personalize your belongings.

    • "*To embellish*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a creative way to personalize your belongings).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to embellish her dress for the party.

    She wants me to embellish her dress for the party.

    • "Me *to embellish* her dress for the party" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to embellish* her dress for the party).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need some beads to embellish my craft project.

    I need some beads to embellish my craft project.

    • "*To embellish* my craft project" modifies the noun "beads."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (some beads *to embellish* my craft project).

Embellishing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Embellishing requires attention to detail and creativity.

    Embellishing requires attention to detail and creativity.

    • "*Embellishing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (attention to detail and creativity).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy embellishing my clothes with embroidery.

    I enjoy embellishing my clothes with embroidery.

    • "*Embellishing* my clothes with embroidery" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*embellishing* my clothes with embroidery).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for embellishing accessories.

    She has a talent for embellishing accessories.

    • "For *embellishing* accessories" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *embellishing* accessories).

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 embellish her journal with colorful drawings.

They hope to embellish their home with beautiful artwork.

He wants to embellish his guitar with custom designs.

We decided to embellish the wedding invitations with elegant calligraphy.

They agreed to embellish the stage with vibrant decorations.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys embellishing her scrapbook with colorful stickers.

They recommend using beads for embellishing clothing.

I dislike the idea of embellishing my shoes with rhinestones.

He avoids embellishing his artwork with excessive details.

Can you imagine yourself embellishing a wedding gown?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to embellish her artwork with intricate patterns. She likes embellishing her artwork with intricate patterns.

We started to embellish our home with unique decorations. We started embellishing our home with unique decorations.

He began to embellish his clothing with hand-painted designs. He began embellishing his clothing with hand-painted designs.

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