When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To exploit (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to exploit" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to exploit this opportunity to learn new skills.
Exploiting (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "exploiting" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Exploiting others is unethical and unfair.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To exploit (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To exploit the resources is their main objective.
To exploit the resources is their main objective.
- "*To exploit* the resources" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (their main objective).
- 2Object
She wants me to exploit this loophole.
She wants me to exploit this loophole.
- "Me *to exploit* this loophole" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to exploit* this loophole).
- 3Adjective Modifier
He needs a computer to exploit its full potential.
He needs a computer to exploit its full potential.
- "*To exploit* its full potential" modifies the noun "computer."
- Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a computer *to exploit* its full potential).
Exploiting (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Exploiting people's vulnerabilities is morally wrong.
Exploiting people's vulnerabilities is morally wrong.
- "*Exploiting* people's vulnerabilities" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (morally wrong).
- 2Object
They enjoy exploiting the market's demands.
They enjoy exploiting the market's demands.
- "*Exploiting* the market's demands" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (They) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*exploiting* the market's demands).
- 3Object of Preposition
He has a knack for exploiting loopholes.
He has a knack for exploiting loopholes.
- "For *exploiting* loopholes" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a knack for *exploiting* loopholes).
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 exploit this opportunity for profit.
He refuses to exploit others for personal gain.
We determined to exploit new technologies for efficiency.
She chose to exploit her artistic talent for a career.
They demand to exploit natural resources sustainably.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys exploiting others' weaknesses for personal gain.
Experts recommend against exploiting natural resources unsustainably.
We are considering exploiting new markets for growth.
He avoids exploiting his employees' labor for excessive profits.
Can you understand the consequences of exploiting the environment?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
I would like to exploit this opportunity for personal development. I would like exploiting this opportunity for personal development.
She began to exploit her creative talents. She began exploiting her creative talents.
They will continue to exploit the market's demands. They will continue exploiting the market's demands.
