When and How to Use Each Expression?
Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!To look (Infinitive)
Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to look" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action
Example
I want to look for a new job.
Looking (Gerund)
Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "looking" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.
Example
Looking at old photographs brings back memories.
Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?
To look (Infinitive)
- 1Subject
To look is important when crossing the street.
To look is important when crossing the street.
- "*To look*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
- Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective (important).
- 2Object
She asked me to look after her cat.
She asked me to look after her cat.
- "Me *to look* after her cat" is the object of the verb "asked."
- Noun (She) + verb (asked) + noun phrase (me *to look* after her cat).
- 3Adjective Modifier
He needs a magnifying glass to look closely at the details.
He needs a magnifying glass to look closely at the details.
- "*To look* closely at the details" modifies the noun "magnifying glass."
- Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a magnifying glass *to look* closely at the details).
Looking (Gerund)
- 1Subject
Looking in the mirror can boost your confidence.
Looking in the mirror can boost your confidence.
- "*Looking* in the mirror" is the subject of the sentence.
- Gerund (subject) + verb (can boost) + noun phrase (your confidence).
- 2Object
I enjoy looking at the stars at night.
I enjoy looking at the stars at night.
- "*Looking* at the stars at night" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
- Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*looking* at the stars at night).
- 3Object of Preposition
He has a talent for looking at things from different perspectives.
He has a talent for looking at things from different perspectives.
- "For *looking* at things from different perspectives" is the object of the preposition "for."
- Noun phrase (He) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *looking* at things from different perspectives).
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 look for a new house next year.
We plan to look at different options before making a decision.
She refused to look at the evidence presented.
He decided to look for a better job opportunity.
I wish to look younger than my actual age.
Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects
Example
I recommend looking for a reliable mechanic for your car.
She avoids looking at her bank account balance.
They are considering looking into buying a new house.
Do you mind looking after my dog while I'm away?
Imagine looking out over the beautiful countryside.
