When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To find (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to find" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to find a solution to this problem.
Finding (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "finding" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Finding the right path can be challenging.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To find (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To find the answer, you must ask the right question.
To find the answer, you must ask the right question.
- "*To find* the answer" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (must ask) + noun phrase (the right question).
- 2Object
She wants me to find her lost keys.
She wants me to find her lost keys.
- "Me *to find* her lost keys" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to find* her lost keys).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a map to find my way around the city.
I need a map to find my way around the city.
- "*To find* my way around the city" modifies the noun "map."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a map *to find* my way around the city).
Finding (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Finding a good restaurant is not always easy.
Finding a good restaurant is not always easy.
- "*Finding* a good restaurant" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a good restaurant).
- 2Object
I enjoy finding new places to explore.
I enjoy finding new places to explore.
- "*Finding* new places to explore" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*finding* new places to explore).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a talent for finding hidden treasures.
She has a talent for finding hidden treasures.
- "For *finding* hidden treasures" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *finding* hidden treasures).
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 find a new apartment.
They hope to find the perfect gift for their friend.
He wants to find a job that he enjoys.
She plans to find a reliable babysitter for her children.
I attempted to find a solution to the problem.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys finding unique gifts for her friends.
They recommend finding a mentor in your field.
He avoids finding excuses for his mistakes.
Can you imagine yourself finding your dream job?
Do you mind finding a different route to the destination?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
I like to find new books to read. I like finding new books to read.
We started to find a solution to the problem. We started finding a solution to the problem.
He began to find ways to improve his skills. He began finding ways to improve his skills.
