When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To gamble (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to gamble" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to gamble at the casino tonight.
Gambling (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "gambling" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Gambling can be addictive and lead to financial problems.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To gamble (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To gamble is not recommended for those who cannot afford to lose money.
To gamble is not recommended for those who cannot afford to lose money.
- "*To gamble*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (not recommended for those who cannot afford to lose money).
- 2Object
She wants me to gamble with her at the poker table.
She wants me to gamble with her at the poker table.
- "Me *to gamble* with her at the poker table" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to gamble* with her at the poker table).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need some extra cash to gamble at the casino.
I need some extra cash to gamble at the casino.
- "*To gamble* at the casino" modifies the noun "cash."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (some extra cash *to gamble* at the casino).
Gambling (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Gambling is a popular activity in many cultures.
Gambling is a popular activity in many cultures.
- "*Gambling*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a popular activity in many cultures).
- 2Object
I enjoy gambling at the blackjack table.
I enjoy gambling at the blackjack table.
- "*Gambling* at the blackjack table" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*gambling* at the blackjack table).
- 3Object of Preposition
He has a problem with gambling.
He has a problem with gambling.
- "With *gambling*" is the object of the preposition "with."
- Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a problem with *gambling*).
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
He plans to gamble at the horse races this weekend.
They hope to gamble in Las Vegas during their vacation.
She wants to gamble with high stakes.
We decided to gamble at the roulette table.
They agreed to gamble at the casino together.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys gambling in casinos on weekends.
They recommend responsible gambling for entertainment purposes only.
I dislike the idea of gambling with real money.
He avoids gambling altogether to save money.
Can you imagine yourself gambling in a luxurious casino?
