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To Exhibit vs Exhibiting Infinitives & Gerunds

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Infinitives: An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by the word "to" (e.g., to swim, to eat, to learn). It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence. Infinitives are often used to express intentions, purposes, desires, or potential actions. Gerunds: A gerund is the -ing form of a verb (e.g., swimming, eating, learning). It’s different from a “present participle” which functions as a verb tense. A gerund can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To exhibit (Infinitive)

Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to exhibit" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action

Example

I want to exhibit my artwork in a gallery.

Exhibiting (Gerund)

Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "exhibiting" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.

Example

Exhibiting at art shows is a great way to gain exposure.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To exhibit (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To exhibit is a great way to showcase your talent.

    To exhibit is a great way to showcase your talent.

    • "*To exhibit*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a great way to showcase your talent).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to exhibit my paintings at her event.

    She wants me to exhibit my paintings at her event.

    • "Me *to exhibit* my paintings at her event" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to exhibit* my paintings at her event).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a space to exhibit my sculptures.

    I need a space to exhibit my sculptures.

    • "*To exhibit* my sculptures" modifies the noun "space."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a space *to exhibit* my sculptures).

Exhibiting (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Exhibiting requires careful planning and organization.

    Exhibiting requires careful planning and organization.

    • "*Exhibiting*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (careful planning and organization).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy exhibiting my artwork in different galleries.

    I enjoy exhibiting my artwork in different galleries.

    • "*Exhibiting* my artwork in different galleries" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*exhibiting* my artwork in different galleries).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for exhibiting her sculptures.

    She has a passion for exhibiting her sculptures.

    • "For *exhibiting* her sculptures" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *exhibiting* her sculptures).

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 exhibit her photography in a solo show.

They hope to exhibit their artwork in a renowned museum.

He wants to exhibit his paintings in an art gallery.

We decided to exhibit our sculptures at the upcoming exhibition.

They agreed to exhibit their artwork together at the art fair.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys exhibiting her artwork at local exhibitions.

They recommend exhibiting regularly to build a strong portfolio.

I dislike the idea of exhibiting in crowded galleries.

He avoids exhibiting his work in commercial galleries.

Can you imagine yourself exhibiting your art in prestigious museums?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to exhibit her artwork in public spaces. She likes exhibiting her artwork in public spaces.

We started to exhibit our photography at local art fairs. We started exhibiting our photography at local art fairs.

He began to exhibit his paintings in small galleries. He began exhibiting his paintings in small galleries.

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