When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To exist (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to exist" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to exist in a world where everyone is treated equally.
Existing (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "existing" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Existing in harmony with nature is essential for our planet's survival.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To exist (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To exist is a basic human right.
To exist is a basic human right.
- "*To exist*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a basic human right).
- 2Object
She wants me to exist in her life.
She wants me to exist in her life.
- "Me *to exist* in her life" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to exist* in her life).
- 3Adjective Modifier
We need a safe environment to exist in.
We need a safe environment to exist in.
- "*To exist* in" modifies the noun "environment."
- Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a safe environment *to exist* in).
Existing (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Existing peacefully is everyone's responsibility.
Existing peacefully is everyone's responsibility.
- "*Existing*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (everyone's responsibility).
- 2Object
I enjoy existing in the present moment.
I enjoy existing in the present moment.
- "*Existing* in the present moment" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*existing* in the present moment).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for existing in harmony with nature.
She has a passion for existing in harmony with nature.
- "For *existing*" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *existing* in harmony with nature).
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 hope to exist in a world without discrimination.
He wants to exist in a society that values diversity.
We choose to exist authentically and true to ourselves.
Many people struggle to exist in poverty-stricken areas.
They demand the right to exist without fear of persecution.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys existing in a peaceful environment.
They recommend practicing mindfulness while existing in the world.
I avoid existing in toxic relationships.
Can you imagine a world where all living beings coexist by existing harmoniously?
It is important to understand the impact of our actions on the existing ecosystem.
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
I like to exist in a state of contentment. I like existing in a state of contentment.
They started to exist independently. They started existing independently.
He began to exist with a renewed sense of purpose. He began existing with a renewed sense of purpose.
