When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To frolic (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to frolic" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to frolic in the meadow to feel free and joyful.
Frolicking (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "frolicking" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Frolicking brings out the inner child in us.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To frolic (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To frolic is a delightful way to release stress.
To frolic is a delightful way to release stress.
- "*To frolic*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a delightful way to release stress).
- 2Object
She wants me to frolic with her in the park.
She wants me to frolic with her in the park.
- "Me *to frolic* with her in the park" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to frolic* with her in the park).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a spacious field to frolic in.
I need a spacious field to frolic in.
- "*To frolic* in" modifies the noun "field."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a spacious field *to frolic* in).
Frolicking (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Frolicking is a form of self-expression.
Frolicking is a form of self-expression.
- "*Frolicking*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a form of self-expression).
- 2Object
I enjoy frolicking in the meadow.
I enjoy frolicking in the meadow.
- "*Frolicking* in the meadow" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*frolicking* in the meadow).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for frolicking in the waves.
She has a passion for frolicking in the waves.
- "For *frolicking* in the waves" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *frolicking* in the waves).
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
They hope to frolic in the snow during their winter vacation.
We plan to frolic on the beach this summer.
He decided to frolic in the garden instead of working.
She wants to frolic in the rain like a child.
I choose to frolic in nature for relaxation.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He enjoys frolicking in the snow during winter.
They recommend regular frolicking for a happy and healthy life.
Can you imagine yourself frolicking in a field of flowers?
She avoids frolicking in crowded places.
We are considering frolicking in the forest for our next adventure.
