When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To fight (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to fight" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to fight for what I believe in.
Fighting (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "fighting" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Fighting is never the solution to a problem.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To fight (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To fight is a natural instinct for self-preservation.
To fight is a natural instinct for self-preservation.
- "*To fight*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a natural instinct for self-preservation).
- 2Object
She wants me to fight alongside her.
She wants me to fight alongside her.
- "Me *to fight* alongside her" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to fight* alongside her).
- 3Adjective Modifier
He needs a cause to fight for.
He needs a cause to fight for.
- "*To fight* for" modifies the noun "cause."
- Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a cause *to fight* for).
Fighting (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Fighting can lead to serious consequences.
Fighting can lead to serious consequences.
- "*Fighting*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (can lead) + noun phrase (serious consequences).
- 2Object
I enjoy fighting for what is right.
I enjoy fighting for what is right.
- "*Fighting* for what is right" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*fighting* for what is right).
- 3Object of Preposition
They have a strong passion for fighting.
They have a strong passion for fighting.
- "For *fighting*" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (They) + verb (have) + noun phrase (a strong passion for *fighting*).
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 decided to fight for justice.
He attempted to fight his way out of the situation.
They hope to fight for a better future.
She refused to fight in the war.
He wants to fight against inequality.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He enjoys fighting in martial arts competitions.
Doctors recommend regular exercise and fighting for physical fitness.
She avoids unnecessary fighting in her relationships.
Can you imagine yourself fighting for justice?
They consider fighting for their rights as essential.
