When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To fossilize (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to fossilize" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
Scientists study fossils to fossilize ancient organisms.
Fossilizing (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "fossilizing" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Fossilizing the remains of ancient organisms is an important scientific process.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To fossilize (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To fossilize is a natural process that takes millions of years.
To fossilize is a natural process that takes millions of years.
- "*To fossilize*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a natural process that takes millions of years).
- 2Object
We want the dinosaur bones to fossilize in the museum.
We want the dinosaur bones to fossilize in the museum.
- "The dinosaur bones *to fossilize* in the museum" is the object of the verb "want."
- Noun (We) + verb (want) + noun phrase (the dinosaur bones *to fossilize* in the museum).
- 3Adjective Modifier
She needs a suitable environment to fossilize the plant remains.
She needs a suitable environment to fossilize the plant remains.
- "*To fossilize* the plant remains" modifies the noun "environment."
- Noun (She) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a suitable environment *to fossilize* the plant remains).
Fossilizing (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Fossilizing requires specific conditions and time.
Fossilizing requires specific conditions and time.
- "*Fossilizing*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (specific conditions and time).
- 2Object
I enjoy fossilizing small fossils I find on the beach.
I enjoy fossilizing small fossils I find on the beach.
- "*Fossilizing* small fossils I find on the beach" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*fossilizing* small fossils I find on the beach).
- 3Object of Preposition
He has a talent for fossilizing delicate specimens.
He has a talent for fossilizing delicate specimens.
- "For *fossilizing* delicate specimens" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *fossilizing* delicate specimens).
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
Scientists study rocks to fossilize ancient organisms.
Paleontologists discover fossils to fossilize extinct species.
They hope to fossilize rare specimens in their collection.
Researchers attempt to fossilize plants in laboratory conditions.
Geologists determine the age of fossils to fossilize ancient life forms.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
Experts recommend proper techniques for fossilizing fossils.
Paleontologists avoid damaging fossils while fossilizing them.
Scientists consider various factors when fossilizing specimens.
They decided to postpone fossilizing the fragile fossils.
She couldn't resist fossilizing the rare fossil she discovered.
