When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To have (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to have" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to have a delicious meal tonight.
Having (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "having" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Having a positive attitude can greatly impact your life.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To have (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To have is a basic human need.
To have is a basic human need.
- "*To have*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a basic human need).
- 2Object
She wants me to have a good time at the party.
She wants me to have a good time at the party.
- "Me *to have* a good time at the party" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to have* a good time at the party).
- 3Adjective Modifier
He needs a car to have transportation.
He needs a car to have transportation.
- "*To have* transportation" modifies the noun "car."
- Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a car *to have* transportation).
Having (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Having patience is important in dealing with difficult situations.
Having patience is important in dealing with difficult situations.
- "*Having* patience" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (patience).
- 2Object
I enjoy having dinner with friends.
I enjoy having dinner with friends.
- "*Having* dinner with friends" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*having* dinner with friends).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a fear of having a public speaking engagement.
She has a fear of having a public speaking engagement.
- "Of *having* a public speaking engagement" is the object of the preposition "of."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *having* a public speaking engagement).
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 have dinner at a fancy restaurant tomorrow.
They hope to have a successful business.
He wants to have a big house with a garden.
We decided to have a picnic in the park this weekend.
They agreed to have a meeting to discuss the project.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys having a relaxing bath after a long day.
They recommend having a balanced diet for good health.
I dislike the idea of having to work overtime.
He avoids having conflicts with his colleagues.
Can you imagine yourself having a successful career?
