When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To escape (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to escape" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to escape from the city and go on a vacation.
Escaping (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "escaping" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Escaping reality through books is one of her favorite pastimes.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To escape (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To escape is her only option.
To escape is her only option.
- "*To escape*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (her only option).
- 2Object
She wants me to escape with her.
She wants me to escape with her.
- "Me *to escape* with her" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to escape* with her).
- 3Adjective Modifier
He needs a break to escape the stress of work.
He needs a break to escape the stress of work.
- "*To escape* the stress of work" modifies the noun "break."
- Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a break *to escape* the stress of work).
Escaping (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Escaping is not the solution to your problems.
Escaping is not the solution to your problems.
- "*Escaping*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (not the solution to your problems).
- 2Object
I enjoy escaping into a good movie.
I enjoy escaping into a good movie.
- "*Escaping* into a good movie" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*escaping* into a good movie).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a talent for escaping from difficult situations.
She has a talent for escaping from difficult situations.
- "For *escaping* from difficult situations" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *escaping* from difficult situations).
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 escape to the mountains next weekend.
I hope to escape the cold weather and go somewhere warm.
She wants to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
We decided to escape to a tropical island for our honeymoon.
They agreed to escape together and start a new life.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He enjoys escaping into nature by hiking in the mountains.
They recommend escaping the daily routine and taking a vacation.
She dislikes the idea of escaping responsibilities.
I avoid escaping reality through unhealthy habits.
Can you imagine yourself escaping to a remote island?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
They like to escape to secluded beaches. They like escaping to secluded beaches.
We started to escape the busy city life. We started escaping the busy city life.
He began to escape from his stressful job. He began escaping from his stressful job.
