When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To enchant (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to enchant" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to enchant the audience with my magical performance.
Enchanting (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "enchanting" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Enchanting the audience is my favorite part of performing.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To enchant (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To enchant is a gift that few possess.
To enchant is a gift that few possess.
- "*To enchant*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a gift that few possess).
- 2Object
She wants me to enchant the guests at the party.
She wants me to enchant the guests at the party.
- "Me *to enchant* the guests at the party" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to enchant* the guests at the party).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a captivating story to enchant the readers.
I need a captivating story to enchant the readers.
- "*To enchant* the readers" modifies the noun "story."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a captivating story *to enchant* the readers).
Enchanting (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Enchanting the audience requires skill and practice.
Enchanting the audience requires skill and practice.
- "*Enchanting* the audience" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (skill and practice).
- 2Object
I enjoy enchanting people with my storytelling.
I enjoy enchanting people with my storytelling.
- "*Enchanting* people with my storytelling" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*enchanting* people with my storytelling).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for enchanting others with her magical performances.
She has a passion for enchanting others with her magical performances.
- "For *enchanting* others with her magical performances" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *enchanting* others with her magical performances).
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
They hope to enchant the judges with their dance routine.
He wants to enchant the audience with his beautiful voice.
We decided to enchant the crowd with our stunning magic tricks.
She plans to enchant everyone with her enchanting melodies.
They choose to enchant the viewers with their mesmerizing dance moves.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys enchanting the audience with her beautiful voice.
They recommend enchanting the guests with your captivating stories.
Can you imagine yourself enchanting an entire room with your magic tricks?
He avoids enchanting people with his boring speeches.
We are considering enchanting the audience with a spectacular light show.
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to enchant everyone with her charming personality. She likes enchanting everyone with her charming personality.
We started to enchant audiences with our theatrical performances. We started enchanting audiences with our theatrical performances.
He began to enchant the world with his captivating music. He began enchanting the world with his captivating music.
