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 something that will change the world.
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 is a challenging but rewarding process.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To invent (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To invent requires creativity and problem-solving skills.
To invent requires creativity and problem-solving skills.
- "*To invent*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (creativity and problem-solving skills).
- 2Object
She wants me to invent a new gadget for her.
She wants me to invent a new gadget for her.
- "Me *to invent* a new gadget for her" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to invent* a new gadget for her).
- 3Adjective Modifier
He needs a lab to invent new technologies.
He needs a lab to invent new technologies.
- "*To invent* new technologies" modifies the noun "lab."
- Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a lab *to invent* new technologies).
Inventing (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Inventing requires dedication and perseverance.
Inventing requires dedication and perseverance.
- "*Inventing*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (dedication and perseverance).
- 2Object
I enjoy inventing new solutions to everyday problems.
I enjoy inventing new solutions to everyday problems.
- "*Inventing* new solutions to everyday problems" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*inventing* new solutions to everyday problems).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for inventing innovative technologies.
She has a passion for inventing innovative technologies.
- "For *inventing* innovative technologies" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *inventing* innovative technologies).
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 hope to invent a revolutionary product in the future.
She wants to invent a time machine.
We decided to invent a more efficient way of transportation.
He chose to invent a device that helps people with disabilities.
They managed to invent a breakthrough technology.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
He enjoys inventing new gadgets in his free time.
They recommend inventing as a way to stimulate creativity.
I avoid inventing unnecessary things.
Can you imagine yourself inventing something groundbreaking?
She doesn't mind inventing solutions to complex problems.
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
They like to invent their own games. They like inventing their own games.
He started to invent at a young age. He started inventing at a young age.
We began to invent new technologies together. We began inventing new technologies together.
