When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To explore (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to explore" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to explore the new city and discover its hidden gems.
Exploring (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "exploring" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Exploring new places is always an enriching experience.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To explore (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To explore is an exciting adventure.
To explore is an exciting adventure.
- "*To explore*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an exciting adventure).
- 2Object
She wants me to explore the ancient ruins with her.
She wants me to explore the ancient ruins with her.
- "Me *to explore* the ancient ruins with her" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to explore* the ancient ruins with her).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a map to explore the city.
I need a map to explore the city.
- "*To explore* the city" modifies the noun "map."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a map *to explore* the city).
Exploring (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Exploring different cultures broadens your horizons.
Exploring different cultures broadens your horizons.
- "*Exploring* different cultures" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (broadens) + noun phrase (your horizons).
- 2Object
I enjoy exploring the local markets.
I enjoy exploring the local markets.
- "*Exploring* the local markets" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*exploring* the local markets).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for exploring abandoned places.
She has a passion for exploring abandoned places.
- "For *exploring* abandoned places" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *exploring* abandoned places).
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
We plan to explore the national park next weekend.
They hope to explore the underwater caves during their diving trip.
He wants to explore the historic landmarks in the city.
I decided to explore the mountain range on foot.
They agreed to explore the rainforest together.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys exploring new hiking trails.
They recommend exploring the local cuisine when traveling.
I dislike the idea of exploring haunted houses.
He avoids exploring crowded tourist attractions.
Can you imagine yourself exploring ancient ruins?
