When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To learn (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to learn" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to learn how to play the guitar.
Learning (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "learning" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Learning a new language can be challenging.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To learn (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To learn is essential for personal growth.
To learn is essential for personal growth.
- "*To learn*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective phrase (essential for personal growth).
- 2Object
She wants me to learn French.
She wants me to learn French.
- "Me *to learn* French" is the object of the verb "wants."
- Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to learn* French).
- 3Adjective Modifier
I need a book to learn new skills.
I need a book to learn new skills.
- "*To learn* new skills" modifies the noun "book."
- Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a book *to learn* new skills).
Learning (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Learning is a lifelong process.
Learning is a lifelong process.
- "*Learning*" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a lifelong process).
- 2Object
I enjoy learning about different cultures.
I enjoy learning about different cultures.
- "*Learning* about different cultures" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*learning* about different cultures).
- 3Object of Preposition
She has a passion for learning new things.
She has a passion for learning new things.
- "For *learning* new things" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *learning* new things).
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 learn how to dance salsa next month.
They hope to learn how to swim this summer.
He wants to learn how to cook gourmet meals.
We decided to learn how to speak Mandarin.
They agreed to learn how to code together.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
She enjoys learning through online courses.
They recommend continuous learning for personal development.
I dislike the idea of learning from textbooks.
He avoids learning from unreliable sources.
Can you imagine yourself learning to play the piano?
