When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To intersperse (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to intersperse" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I plan to intersperse some humor throughout my presentation.
Interspersing (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "interspersing" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Interspersing different spices can enhance the flavor of the dish.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To intersperse (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To intersperse different colors creates a visually appealing design.
To intersperse different colors creates a visually appealing design.
- "*To intersperse* different colors" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (creates) + noun phrase (a visually appealing design).
- 2Object
She wants me to intersperse anecdotes in the article.
She wants me to intersperse anecdotes in the article.
- "Me *to intersperse* anecdotes in the article" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to intersperse* anecdotes in the article).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a break to intersperse some relaxation in my busy schedule.
I need a break to intersperse some relaxation in my busy schedule.
- "*To intersperse* some relaxation in my busy schedule" modifies the noun "break."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a break *to intersperse* some relaxation in my busy schedule).
Interspersing (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Interspersing flowers throughout the garden adds beauty to the landscape.
Interspersing flowers throughout the garden adds beauty to the landscape.
- "*Interspersing* flowers throughout the garden" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (adds) + noun phrase (beauty to the landscape).
- 2Object
I enjoy interspersing my day with short breaks.
I enjoy interspersing my day with short breaks.
- "*Interspersing* my day with short breaks" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*interspersing* my day with short breaks).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a talent for interspersing humor into her stories.
She has a talent for interspersing humor into her stories.
- "For *interspersing* humor into her stories" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *interspersing* humor into her stories).
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 intersperse jokes in her speech.
They hope to intersperse music and dance in their performance.
He wants to intersperse images in the article.
We decided to intersperse quotes in the report.
They agreed to intersperse examples in the presentation.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys interspersing her paintings with vibrant colors.
They recommend interspersing exercises with stretching for a balanced workout.
I dislike the idea of interspersing serious topics with irrelevant jokes.
He avoids interspersing his work with unnecessary distractions.
Can you imagine interspersing your daily routine with moments of mindfulness?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
She likes to intersperse different flavors in her recipes. She likes interspersing colors in her artwork.
We started to intersperse interactive activities in our lessons. We started interspersing games in our training sessions.
He began to intersperse anecdotes in his speeches. He began interspersing music in his performances.
