When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To interface (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to interface" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to interface the software with the hardware.
Interfacing (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "interfacing" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Interfacing the systems requires careful configuration.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To interface (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To interface is an essential step in connecting different systems.
To interface is an essential step in connecting different systems.
- "*To interface*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an essential step in connecting different systems).
- 2Object
She wants me to interface the devices for the project.
She wants me to interface the devices for the project.
- "Me *to interface* the devices for the project" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to interface* the devices for the project).
- 3Adjective Modifier
We need a cable to interface the two computers.
We need a cable to interface the two computers.
- "*To interface* the two computers" modifies the noun "cable."
- Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a cable *to interface* the two computers).
Interfacing (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Interfacing different components is a challenging task.
Interfacing different components is a challenging task.
- "*Interfacing*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a challenging task).
- 2Object
I enjoy interfacing various devices for automation projects.
I enjoy interfacing various devices for automation projects.
- "*Interfacing* various devices for automation projects" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*interfacing* various devices for automation projects).
- 3Object of Preposition
He has extensive experience in interfacing different software applications.
He has extensive experience in interfacing different software applications.
- "In *interfacing* different software applications" is the object of the preposition "in."
- Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (extensive experience in *interfacing* different software applications).
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 plan to interface the new software with the existing system.
He decided to interface the devices through Bluetooth.
She hopes to interface the application with the website.
We want to interface the program with external devices.
They refused to interface the software with the outdated hardware.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys interfacing complex systems to improve efficiency.
They recommend learning about interfacing for a career in technology.
I avoid interfacing incompatible devices to prevent damage.
He is considering interfacing the software with artificial intelligence.
We should discuss the challenges of interfacing legacy systems with modern technologies.
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
I like to interface different devices for home automation. I like interfacing different devices for home automation.
She started to interface the software with the database. She started interfacing the software with the database.
We began to interface the system with external sensors. We began interfacing the system with external sensors.
