When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To enjoy (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to enjoy" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to enjoy my vacation on the beach.
Enjoying (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "enjoying" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Enjoying nature is a great way to relax.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To enjoy (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To enjoy is important for a fulfilling life.
To enjoy is important for a fulfilling life.
- "*To enjoy*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (important for a fulfilling life).
- 2Object
She wants me to enjoy the party.
She wants me to enjoy the party.
- "Me *to enjoy* the party" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to enjoy* the party).
- 3Adjective Modifier
He needs a comfortable chair to enjoy his book.
He needs a comfortable chair to enjoy his book.
- "*To enjoy* his book" modifies the noun "chair."
- Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a comfortable chair *to enjoy* his book).
Enjoying (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Enjoying music brings me joy.
Enjoying music brings me joy.
- "*Enjoying* music" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (brings) + noun phrase (me joy).
- 2Object
I love enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning.
I love enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning.
- "*Enjoying* a cup of coffee in the morning" is the object of the verb "love."
- Noun (I) + verb (love) + gerund (*enjoying* a cup of coffee in the morning).
- 3Object of Preposition
He has a passion for enjoying outdoor activities.
He has a passion for enjoying outdoor activities.
- "For *enjoying* outdoor activities" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *enjoying* outdoor activities).
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 plan to enjoy their vacation in the mountains.
We hope to enjoy a delicious meal at the restaurant.
I want to enjoy the concert tonight.
She decided to enjoy a relaxing day at the spa.
They agreed to enjoy a picnic in the park.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She avoids enjoying spicy food.
They recommend enjoying a good book before bed.
I dislike the idea of enjoying horror movies.
He is considering enjoying a weekend getaway.
Can you imagine yourself enjoying a tropical vacation?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to enjoy long walks in the park. She likes enjoying long walks in the park.
We started to enjoy cooking together. We started enjoying cooking together.
He began to enjoy playing the guitar. He began enjoying playing the guitar.
