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 new places and cultures.
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 different cuisines is a passion of mine.
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.
She wants me to explore the ancient ruins.
- "Me *to explore* the ancient ruins" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to explore* the ancient ruins).
- 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 new hobbies is always interesting.
Exploring new hobbies is always interesting.
- "*Exploring*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (always interesting).
- 2Object
I enjoy exploring new cities.
I enjoy exploring new cities.
- "*Exploring* new cities" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*exploring* new cities).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for exploring nature.
She has a passion for exploring nature.
- "For *exploring* nature" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *exploring* 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
She plans to explore the rainforest next year.
They hope to explore the historical sites during their trip.
He wants to explore the hidden caves.
We decided to explore the hiking trails in the mountains.
They agreed to explore the underwater world together.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys exploring art galleries in her free time.
They recommend exploring different career options.
I dislike the idea of exploring haunted places.
He avoids exploring crowded tourist spots.
Can you imagine yourself exploring the Amazon rainforest?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to explore new cultures. She likes exploring new cultures.
We started to explore the national parks. We started exploring the national parks.
He began to explore different cuisines. He began exploring different cuisines.
