When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To invent (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to invent" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to invent a new gadget that will revolutionize the industry.
Inventing (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "inventing" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Inventing requires a lot of patience and perseverance.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To invent (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To invent requires creativity and innovation.
To invent requires creativity and innovation.
- "*To invent*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (creativity and innovation).
- 2Object
She wants me to invent a solution for the problem.
She wants me to invent a solution for the problem.
- "Me *to invent* a solution for the problem" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to invent* a solution for the problem).
- 3Adjective Modifier
He needs a lab to invent new products.
He needs a lab to invent new products.
- "*To invent* new products" modifies the noun "lab."
- Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a lab *to invent* new products).
Inventing (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Inventing is a challenging but rewarding process.
Inventing is a challenging but rewarding process.
- "*Inventing*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a challenging but rewarding process).
- 2Object
I enjoy inventing new ideas and concepts.
I enjoy inventing new ideas and concepts.
- "*Inventing* new ideas and concepts" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*inventing* new ideas and concepts).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for inventing innovative solutions.
She has a passion for inventing innovative solutions.
- "For *inventing* innovative solutions" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *inventing* innovative solutions).
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 invent a groundbreaking technology.
We hope to invent something that will change the world.
He wants to invent a device to simplify everyday tasks.
She decided to invent a new method for recycling.
They agreed to invent a better solution for the problem.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He enjoys inventing gadgets in his free time.
Experts recommend continuous inventing for personal growth.
I dislike the process of inventing because it can be frustrating.
They avoid inventing without proper research and planning.
Can you imagine yourself inventing something that changes lives?
