When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To infiltrate (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to infiltrate" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
The spy was sent to infiltrate the enemy's headquarters.
Infiltrating (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "infiltrating" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Infiltrating enemy lines requires stealth and precision.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To infiltrate (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To infiltrate requires careful planning and execution.
To infiltrate requires careful planning and execution.
- "*To infiltrate*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (careful planning and execution).
- 2Object
They want him to infiltrate the secret organization.
They want him to infiltrate the secret organization.
- "Him *to infiltrate* the secret organization" is the object of the verb "want."
- Noun (They) + verb (want) + noun phrase (him *to infiltrate* the secret organization).
- 3Adjective Modifier
He needs specialized equipment to infiltrate the high-security facility.
He needs specialized equipment to infiltrate the high-security facility.
- "*To infiltrate* the high-security facility" modifies the noun "equipment."
- Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (specialized equipment *to infiltrate* the high-security facility).
Infiltrating (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Infiltrating requires a high level of skill and training.
Infiltrating requires a high level of skill and training.
- "*Infiltrating*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (a high level of skill and training).
- 2Object
He enjoys the thrill of infiltrating enemy bases.
He enjoys the thrill of infiltrating enemy bases.
- "The thrill of *infiltrating* enemy bases" is the object of the verb "enjoys."
- Noun (He) + verb (enjoys) + gerund (the thrill of *infiltrating* enemy bases).
- 3Object of Preposition
She was caught while infiltrating the restricted area.
She was caught while infiltrating the restricted area.
- "While *infiltrating* the restricted area" is the object of the preposition "while."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (was caught) + noun phrase (while *infiltrating* the restricted area).
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
The team plans to infiltrate the enemy base under the cover of darkness.
She attempted to infiltrate the organization by posing as a member.
He refused to infiltrate the dangerous area due to safety concerns.
They chose to infiltrate the building through the ventilation system.
I wish to infiltrate the secret society to uncover their secrets.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
They avoid infiltrating heavily guarded locations.
We are considering infiltrating their communication network for valuable information.
Experts recommend infiltrating the organization from within to gather intelligence.
Do you mind infiltrating the rival gang's hideout to gather information?
He couldn't resist the temptation of infiltrating the forbidden zone.
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to infiltrate enemy territories. She likes infiltrating enemy territories.
We started to infiltrate the criminal organization. We started infiltrating the criminal organization.
He began to infiltrate the secret society. He began infiltrating the secret society.
