When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To emphasize (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to emphasize" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to emphasize the importance of teamwork in this project.
Emphasizing (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "emphasizing" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Emphasizing the need for equal opportunities is essential in creating an inclusive society.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To emphasize (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To emphasize is crucial in delivering an effective presentation.
To emphasize is crucial in delivering an effective presentation.
- "*To emphasize*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective (crucial).
- 2Object
She wants me to emphasize the key points during the meeting.
She wants me to emphasize the key points during the meeting.
- "Me *to emphasize* the key points during the meeting" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to emphasize* the key points during the meeting).
- 3Adverbial Modifier
I need a highlighter to emphasize important information.
I need a highlighter to emphasize important information.
- "*To emphasize* important information" modifies the noun "highlighter."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a highlighter *to emphasize* important information).
Emphasizing (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Emphasizing the importance of time management is crucial for success.
Emphasizing the importance of time management is crucial for success.
- "*Emphasizing*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the importance of time management).
- 2Object
I enjoy emphasizing the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
I enjoy emphasizing the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
- "*Emphasizing* the benefits of a healthy lifestyle" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*emphasizing* the benefits of a healthy lifestyle).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for emphasizing the importance of education.
She has a passion for emphasizing the importance of education.
- "For *emphasizing* the importance of education" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *emphasizing* the importance of education).
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 emphasize the benefits of the new product.
They hope to emphasize the importance of sustainability in their business.
He wants to emphasize the need for collaboration in the team.
We decided to emphasize customer satisfaction as our top priority.
They agreed to emphasize the value of continuous learning.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys emphasizing the achievements of her team.
They recommend emphasizing the benefits of regular exercise.
I dislike the idea of emphasizing individual success over teamwork.
He avoids emphasizing negative aspects during discussions.
Can you imagine yourself emphasizing your strengths during a job interview?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to emphasize the importance of communication. She likes emphasizing the importance of communication.
We started to emphasize the benefits of sustainable living. We started emphasizing the benefits of sustainable living.
He began to emphasize the significance of mental health. He began emphasizing the significance of mental health.
