When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To flow (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to flow" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to flow freely like a river.
Flowing (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "flowing" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Flowing water creates a soothing sound.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To flow (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To flow gracefully is the goal of a dancer.
To flow gracefully is the goal of a dancer.
- "*To flow* gracefully" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (the goal of a dancer).
- 2Object
She wants me to flow with the music.
She wants me to flow with the music.
- "Me *to flow* with the music" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to flow* with the music).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a spacious room to flow with creativity.
I need a spacious room to flow with creativity.
- "*To flow* with creativity" modifies the noun "room."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a spacious room *to flow* with creativity).
Flowing (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Flowing streams are a beautiful sight.
Flowing streams are a beautiful sight.
- "*Flowing* streams" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (are) + noun phrase (a beautiful sight).
- 2Object
I enjoy flowing with the current of the river.
I enjoy flowing with the current of the river.
- "*Flowing* with the current of the river" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*flowing* with the current of the river).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a fascination with flowing water.
She has a fascination with flowing water.
- "With *flowing* water" is the object of the preposition "with."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fascination with *flowing* water).
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 flow in her dance performance tomorrow.
They hope to flow harmoniously as a team during the competition.
He wants to flow effortlessly on stage.
We decided to flow with the rhythm of the music.
They agreed to flow together in their synchronized routine.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys flowing through the rapids in her kayak.
They recommend regular flowing meditation for relaxation.
I dislike the idea of flowing in stagnant water.
He avoids flowing in narrow channels.
Can you imagine yourself flowing with the current of a waterfall?
