To Express vs Expressing Infinitives & Gerunds

When and How to Use Each Expression?

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

To express (Infinitive)

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

Example

I want to express my feelings through art.

Expressing (Gerund)

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

Example

Expressing oneself can be therapeutic.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To express (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To express oneself is important for emotional well-being.

  To express oneself is important for emotional well-being.

  • "*To express* oneself" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (important for emotional well-being).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to express my opinion during the meeting.

  She wants me to express my opinion during the meeting.

  • "Me *to express* my opinion during the meeting" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to express* my opinion during the meeting).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a creative outlet to express my ideas.

  I need a creative outlet to express my ideas.

  • "*To express* my ideas" modifies the noun "creative outlet."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a creative outlet *to express* my ideas).

Expressing (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Expressing emotions is healthy for the mind and body.

  Expressing emotions is healthy for the mind and body.

  • "*Expressing* emotions" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (healthy for the mind and body).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy expressing my creativity through painting.

  I enjoy expressing my creativity through painting.

  • "*Expressing* my creativity through painting" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*expressing* my creativity through painting).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a talent for expressing herself through dance.

  She has a talent for expressing herself through dance.

  • "For *expressing* herself through dance" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *expressing* herself through dance).

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

• choose
• learn
• struggle
• demand
• wish

Example

She chose to express herself through writing.

He learned to express his emotions through music.

They struggled to express their thoughts in a foreign language.

The audience demanded to express their opinions during the debate.

We wish to express our gratitude for your support.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• avoid
• consider
• recommend
• understand

Example

They enjoy expressing their opinions during group discussions.

He avoids expressing his true feelings in public.

I am considering expressing my concerns to the management.

Experts recommend expressing gratitude regularly.

Can you understand the importance of expressing yourself?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to express herself through poetry. She likes expressing herself through poetry.

We started to express our opinions openly. We started expressing our opinions openly.

He began to express his thoughts through writing. He began expressing his thoughts through writing.