When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To exercise (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to exercise" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to exercise every day to stay healthy.
Exercising (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "exercising" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Exercising helps improve cardiovascular health.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To exercise (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To exercise is important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
To exercise is important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
- "*To exercise*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle).
- 2Object
She wants me to exercise with her at the gym.
She wants me to exercise with her at the gym.
- "Me *to exercise* with her at the gym" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to exercise* with her at the gym).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need comfortable shoes to exercise properly.
I need comfortable shoes to exercise properly.
- "*To exercise* properly" modifies the noun "shoes."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + adjective phrase (comfortable shoes *to exercise* properly).
Exercising (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Exercising regularly can lead to weight loss.
Exercising regularly can lead to weight loss.
- "*Exercising*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (can lead to) + noun phrase (weight loss).
- 2Object
I enjoy exercising in the park.
I enjoy exercising in the park.
- "*Exercising* in the park" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*exercising* in the park).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for exercising regularly.
She has a passion for exercising regularly.
- "For *exercising* regularly" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *exercising* regularly).
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 exercise in the morning before work.
They hope to exercise regularly for better fitness.
He wants to exercise at the gym to build muscle.
We decided to exercise outdoors instead of at home.
They agreed to exercise together every evening.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys exercising at the gym every morning.
They recommend regular exercising for overall well-being.
I dislike the idea of exercising in crowded spaces.
He avoids exercising late at night.
Can you imagine yourself exercising on a tropical beach?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to exercise in the park. She likes exercising in the park.
We started to exercise together as a family. We started exercising together as a family.
He began to exercise regularly for better health. He began exercising regularly for better health.
