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
She enjoys to swim in the lake.
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 swimming is a great way to stay active.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To enjoy (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To enjoy is important for a happy life.
To enjoy is important for a happy life.
- "*To enjoy*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (important for a happy life).
- 2Object
They want me to enjoy swimming with them.
They want me to enjoy swimming with them.
- "Me *to enjoy* swimming with them" is the object of the verb "want."
- Noun (They) + verb (want) + noun phrase (me *to enjoy* swimming with them).
- 3Adjective Modifier
He needs a comfortable swimsuit to enjoy swimming.
He needs a comfortable swimsuit to enjoy swimming.
- "*To enjoy* swimming" modifies the noun "swimsuit."
- Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a comfortable swimsuit *to enjoy* swimming).
Enjoying (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Enjoying swimming gives me a sense of freedom.
Enjoying swimming gives me a sense of freedom.
- "*Enjoying* swimming" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (gives) + noun phrase (me a sense of freedom).
- 2Object
I love enjoying swimming in the ocean.
I love enjoying swimming in the ocean.
- "*Enjoying* swimming in the ocean" is the object of the verb "love."
- Noun (I) + verb (love) + gerund (*enjoying* swimming in the ocean).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for enjoying swimming races.
She has a passion for enjoying swimming races.
- "For *enjoying* swimming races" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *enjoying* swimming races).
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
We plan to enjoy a relaxing swim at the beach tomorrow.
I hope to enjoy swimming in the clear water during my vacation.
They want to enjoy the freedom of swimming in the open sea.
She decided to enjoy swimming in the pool this weekend.
We agreed to enjoy swimming together in the lake.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
They like enjoying swimming in the pool every evening.
Doctors recommend regular enjoying swimming for better health.
I dislike the idea of enjoying swimming in cold water.
He avoids enjoying swimming in crowded places.
Can you imagine yourself enjoying swimming with dolphins?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to enjoy swimming in the lake. She likes enjoying swimming in the lake.
We started to enjoy swimming competitively. We started enjoying swimming competitively.
He began to enjoy swimming every morning. He began enjoying swimming every morning.
