When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To kindle (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to kindle" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to kindle a fire to keep warm.
Kindling (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "kindling" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Kindling a fire is essential for camping.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To kindle (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To kindle a fire requires some dry wood and a match.
To kindle a fire requires some dry wood and a match.
- "*To kindle* a fire" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (some dry wood and a match).
- 2Object
She wants me to kindle the bonfire.
She wants me to kindle the bonfire.
- "Me *to kindle* the bonfire" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to kindle* the bonfire).
- 3Adjective Modifier
We need some kindling to kindle the fire.
We need some kindling to kindle the fire.
- "*To kindle* the fire" modifies the noun "kindling."
- Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (some kindling *to kindle* the fire).
Kindling (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Kindling a fire requires some small twigs and dry leaves.
Kindling a fire requires some small twigs and dry leaves.
- "*Kindling* a fire" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (some small twigs and dry leaves).
- 2Object
I enjoy kindling the bonfire.
I enjoy kindling the bonfire.
- "*Kindling* the bonfire" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*kindling* the bonfire).
- 3Object of Preposition
He has a talent for kindling fires quickly.
He has a talent for kindling fires quickly.
- "For *kindling* fires quickly" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *kindling* fires quickly).
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
He plans to kindle a campfire tonight.
They hope to kindle a romantic fire on the beach.
She wants to kindle the fireplace for a cozy evening.
We decided to kindle a bonfire at the party.
They agreed to kindle a fire together.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys kindling a fire in the wilderness.
They recommend using proper technique when kindling a fire.
I dislike the smell of kindling burning.
He avoids kindling fires in high winds.
Can you imagine yourself kindling a fire without matches?
Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects
Example
He likes to kindle fires in the fireplace. He likes kindling fires in the fireplace.
We started to kindle our own firewood. We started kindling our own firewood.
She began to kindle a fire in the backyard. She began kindling a fire in the backyard.
